Proverbs 15:21
New International Version
Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

New Living Translation
Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.

English Standard Version
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.

Berean Standard Bible
Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.

King James Bible
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

New King James Version
Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.

New American Standard Bible
Foolishness is joy to one who lacks sense, But a person of understanding walks straight.

NASB 1995
Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight.

NASB 1977
Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight.

Legacy Standard Bible
Folly is gladness to him who lacks a heart of wisdom, But a man of discernment walks straight.

Amplified Bible
Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight].

Christian Standard Bible
Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path.

American Standard Version
Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.

Contemporary English Version
Stupidity brings happiness to senseless fools, but everyone with good sense follows the straight path.

English Revised Version
Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Stupidity is fun to the one without much sense, but a person who has understanding forges straight ahead.

Good News Translation
Stupid people are happy with their foolishness, but the wise will do what is right.

International Standard Version
Stupidity is the delight of the senseless, but an understanding man walks uprightly.

Majority Standard Bible
Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.

NET Bible
Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course.

New Heart English Bible
Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

Webster's Bible Translation
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

World English Bible
Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Folly is joy to one lacking heart, "" And a man of intelligence directs [his] going.

Young's Literal Translation
Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth his going.

Smith's Literal Translation
Folly is joy to him wanting heart: and the man of understanding will make straight to go.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Folly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight his steps.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Folly is gladness to the foolish. And the prudent man sets his own steps in order.

New American Bible
Folly is joy to the senseless, but the person of understanding goes the straight way.

New Revised Standard Version
Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding walks straight ahead.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A foolish man lacks understanding; but a man of understanding walks uprightly.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A foolish man is lacking heart and an understanding man walks justly.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding; But a man of discernment walketh straightforwards.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. 22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.…

Cross References
Proverbs 10:23
The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.

Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.

Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

Ecclesiastes 10:2-3
A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. / Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.

Proverbs 19:3
A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.

Proverbs 21:16
The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.

Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

Ephesians 5:15-17
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.


Treasury of Scripture

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly.

joy

Proverbs 10:23
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

Proverbs 26:18,19
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, …

destitute of wisdom

Proverbs 11:12
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

a man

Proverbs 14:16
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Jump to Previous
Aright Behaviour Course Delights Destitute Directeth Discernment Folly Foolish Good Heart Intelligence Joy Judgment Keeps Lacketh Maketh Sense Straight Understanding Unwise Uprightly Void Walketh Way Wisdom
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Aright Behaviour Course Delights Destitute Directeth Discernment Folly Foolish Good Heart Intelligence Joy Judgment Keeps Lacketh Maketh Sense Straight Understanding Unwise Uprightly Void Walketh Way Wisdom
Proverbs 15
1. A gentle answer turns away wrath














Folly is joy
The Hebrew word for "folly" is "אִוֶּלֶת" (ivvelet), which conveys a sense of foolishness or senselessness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, folly was not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral failing, a deviation from the wisdom that aligns with God's order. The phrase suggests that those who find joy in folly are delighting in what is ultimately destructive. This joy is superficial and fleeting, contrasting with the deeper, lasting joy found in wisdom and righteousness.

to one who lacks judgment
The phrase "lacks judgment" is derived from the Hebrew "חֲסַר־לֵב" (chasar-lev), literally meaning "lacking heart." In Hebrew thought, the heart is the seat of understanding and decision-making. Thus, lacking judgment implies a deficiency in moral and spiritual discernment. This lack leads individuals to pursue folly, mistaking it for true joy. The Bible consistently warns against this deficiency, urging believers to seek wisdom and understanding from God.

but a man of understanding
The term "understanding" comes from the Hebrew "תְּבוּנָה" (tevunah), which implies insight, intelligence, and the ability to discern. A man of understanding is one who perceives the world through the lens of divine wisdom. This understanding is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, rooted in a relationship with God. It reflects a life committed to learning and applying God's truths, leading to righteous living.

walks a straight path
The imagery of walking a "straight path" is significant in biblical literature, symbolizing a life of integrity and righteousness. The Hebrew word "יָשָׁר" (yashar) means straight, right, or upright. This path is not only morally correct but also aligned with God's will and purpose. Walking a straight path implies consistency, direction, and purpose, contrasting with the aimless wandering of those who pursue folly. It reflects a life guided by God's wisdom, leading to peace and fulfillment.

(21) Folly.--Shown in wasted opportunities, and the commission of evil (Proverbs 10:23), while the "man of understanding" directs his way in accordance with the will of God.

Verse 21. - Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom; literally, void of heart; i.e. of understanding (Proverbs 10:23). The perverse, self-willed fool finds pleasure in going on his evil way, and exposing the fatuity which he takes for wisdom. Septuagint, "The ways of the senseless are wanting in intelligence." A man of understanding walketh uprightly; goes the right way. It is implied that the fool goes the wrong way.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Folly
אִ֭וֶּלֶת (’iw·we·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 200: Silliness

is joy
שִׂמְחָ֣ה (śim·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

to one who lacks
לַחֲסַר־ (la·ḥă·sar-)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2638: Needy, lacking, in want of

judgment,
לֵ֑ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

but a man
וְאִ֥ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of understanding
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה (tə·ḇū·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice

walks
לָֽכֶת׃‪‬‪‬ (lā·ḵeṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

a straight path.
יְיַשֶׁר־ (yə·yaš·šer-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who (Prov. Pro Pr)
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