14:6

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

6a
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,

6b but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

This proverb contrasts a mocker’s inability to gain wisdom with a discerning person who easily learns.

14:6a

A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none: This line means that a person who mocks others cannot become wise, even though he tries to do so. Some other ways to translate this line are:

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain (English Standard Version)
-or-
A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it (New Living Translation (2004))

14:6b

but knowledge comes easily to the discerning: The word discerning refers to a person who can understand and interpret ideas and can draw conclusions. He is also a person who is sensible and competent. Another way to translate this line is:

but intelligent people learn easily (Good News Translation)

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