Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 17:24

"Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth." — Proverbs 17:24 (ASV)

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding — that is, he can easily find her.

But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. — He is looking for her everywhere, while all the time she lies straight before him. (For the thought, compare Deuteronomy 30:11-14.)