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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous <i>there is</i> favour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Fools mock at sin, But among the upright <i>there is</i> favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is goodwill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is good will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is good will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Ignorant fools scoff at guilt, But among the upright there is favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools], But among the upright there is good will <i>and</i> the favor <i>and</i> blessing of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock at making reparation, but there is goodwill among the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock at making restitution, but there is goodwill among the upright. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A trespass-offering mocketh fools; But among the upright there is good will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fools don't care if they are wrong, but God is pleased when people do right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The foolish make a mock at guilt: but among the upright there is good will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Stubborn fools make fun of guilt, but there is forgiveness among decent people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Foolish people don't care if they sin, but good people want to be forgiven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Fools make fun of guilt, but among the upright there are good intentions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Fools mock at a guilt-offering, "" And among the upright—a pleasing thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Fools mock at a guilt-offering, And among the upright -- a pleasing thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The foolish will mock at guilt: and between the upright acceptance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A fool will laugh at sin, but among the just grace shall abide. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The foolish will speak mockingly of sin. But grace lingers among the just.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The wicked scorn a guilt offering, but the upright find acceptance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy God’s favor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Truly the households of the wicked need purifying; but the households of the righteous are acceptable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The households of the evil are rightly begging for cleansing, and the households of the righteous are acceptable.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Amends pleadeth for fools; But among the upright there is good will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The houses of transgressors will need purification; but the houses of the just are acceptable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2606" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">The Wise Woman</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/191.htm" title="191: ’ĕ·wi·lîm (N-mp) -- Foolish. From an unused root; silly.">Fools</a> <a href="/hebrew/3887.htm" title="3887: yā·lîṣ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to make mouths at, i.e. To scoff; hence to interpret, or intercede.">mock</a> <a href="/hebrew/817.htm" title="817: ’ā·šām (N-ms) -- Offense, guilt. From 'asham; guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering.">the making of amends,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7522.htm" title="7522: rā·ṣō·wn (N-ms) -- Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will. Or ratson; from ratsah; delight.">but goodwill is found</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">among</a> <a href="/hebrew/3477.htm" title="3477: yə·šā·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Straight, right. From yashar; straight.">the upright.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a></span><br />For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-16</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:2-3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-6.htm">Isaiah 32:6</a></span><br />For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20</a></span><br />But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">2 Timothy 3:13</a></span><br />while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-17.htm">Psalm 107:17</a></span><br />Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor.</p><p class="hdg">fools</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22</a></b></br> How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18,19</a></b></br> As a mad <i>man</i> who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, … </p><p class="hdg">among</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4</a></b></br> So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Proverbs 8:35</a></b></br> For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Proverbs 12:2</a></b></br> A good <i>man</i> obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/20-10.htm">Amends</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-18.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Error</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Found</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Goodwill</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-12.htm">Making</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Mock</a> <a href="/job/39-22.htm">Mocketh</a> <a href="/job/16-21.htm">Pleadeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Scorns</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/psalms/120-5.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-16.htm">Trespass-Offering</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Amends</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-12.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Error</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-31.htm">Found</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Goodwill</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Making</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-17.htm">Mock</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Mocketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Pleadeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-19.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">Scorns</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/songs/1-5.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-39.htm">Trespass-Offering</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-11.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-11.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">A wise woman builds her house</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Fools mock the making of amends</b><br>This phrase highlights the attitude of fools towards reconciliation and repentance. In biblical context, a fool is often someone who rejects wisdom and instruction (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The act of making amends involves acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking to restore relationships, which is a principle deeply rooted in the teachings of the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/leviticus/6.htm">Leviticus 6:1-7</a>, where restitution is required for wrongs committed. The mockery by fools can be seen as a rejection of the humility and responsibility that making amends requires. This attitude contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized forgiveness and reconciliation (<a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a>). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and relationships, making the refusal to make amends particularly damaging. <p><b>but goodwill is found among the upright</b><br>The upright, in biblical terms, are those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. Goodwill, or favor, is often associated with righteousness and integrity. This phrase suggests that those who are upright naturally foster an environment of goodwill, as their actions are aligned with God's will. The upright are often contrasted with the wicked throughout Proverbs, highlighting the blessings and peace that come with living a righteous life (<a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Proverbs 11:27</a>). This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where the fruits of the Spirit include kindness and goodness (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). The historical context of this proverb reflects a society where communal harmony and justice were paramount, and the upright were seen as pillars of such a community. The upright's ability to cultivate goodwill can be seen as a reflection of Christ's own ministry, which was marked by compassion and reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, "fools" are those who reject wisdom and instruction, often characterized by their lack of moral and spiritual insight.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_upright.htm">The Upright</a></b><br>These are individuals who live in accordance with God's wisdom and righteousness, demonstrating integrity and moral character.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/making_of_amends.htm">Making of Amends</a></b><br>This refers to the act of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, an important aspect of maintaining relationships and community harmony.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_foolishness.htm">The Nature of Foolishness</a></b><br>Fools are characterized by their disdain for reconciliation and their inability to value the importance of making amends. This reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and pride.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_goodwill.htm">The Value of Goodwill</a></b><br>Goodwill among the upright is a testament to their character and their relationship with God. It is a reflection of their commitment to peace and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_reconciliation.htm">The Importance of Reconciliation</a></b><br>Making amends is not just a social nicety but a spiritual necessity. It is a demonstration of humility and obedience to God's command to love others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_integrity.htm">Living with Integrity</a></b><br>The upright are called to live with integrity, which includes being proactive in seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. This integrity is a witness to others of God's transformative power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_for_making_amends.htm">Practical Steps for Making Amends</a></b><br>Identify areas where reconciliation is needed, approach the situation with humility, and seek to restore relationships through honest communication and forgiveness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_53_with_moral_atheists.htm">How should one reconcile Psalm 53's portrayal of unbelievers as 'fools' with the existence of thoughtful, morally upright nonbelievers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_disrupts_harmony_like_vinegar.htm">What disrupts harmony like vinegar on soda?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_23_9_conflict_with_sharing_truth.htm">Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'foolishness'_defined_today.htm">Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can 'foolishness' be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Fools make a mock at sin.--</span>Rather, perhaps, <span class= "ital">sin mocks fools </span>(they miss the gratification they expected from it); or, <span class= "ital">the sin-offering mocks them. </span>God does not accept it, and so they have the trouble and cost of offering it for nothing; "but among the upright there is favour." God is well pleased with them.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Fools make a mock at sin.</span> So the Vulgate (comp. <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23</a>). Fools, wicked men, commit sin lightly and cheerfully, give specious names to grievous transgressions, pass over rebuke with a joke, encourage others in crime by their easy way of viewing it. But in the original the verb is in the singular number, while the noun is plural, and the clause could be translated as in the Authorized Version only with the notion that the number of the verb is altered in order to individualize the application of the maxim ('Speaker's Commentary'). But there is no necessity for such a violent anomaly. The subject is doubtless the word rendered "sin" (<span class="accented">asham</span>) which means both "sin" and "sin offering." So we may render, "Sin mocks fools," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> deceives and disappoints them of the enjoyment which they expected. Or better, as most in harmony with the following member, "The sin offering of fools mocks them" (<a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a>). Thus Aquila and Theodotion, <span class="greek">ἄφρονας</span> <span class="greek">χλευάζει πλημμέλεια</span>, where <span class="greek">πλημμέλεια</span> may signify "sin offering" (Ecclus. 7:31). It is vain for such to seek to win God's favour by ceremonial observances; offerings from them are useless expenditure of cost and trouble (<a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Proverbs 21:27</a>). The Son of Sirach has well expressed this truth: "He that sacrificeth of a thing unlawfully gotten, his offering is mockery (<span class="greek">μεμωκημένη</span>), and the mockeries of unjust men are not well pleasing. The Most High is not pleased with the offerings of the godless, neither is he propitiated for sin by the multitude of sacrifices" (Ecclus. 31:18, 19). It is always the disposition of the heart that conditions the acceptableness of worship. <span class="cmt_word">Among the righteous</span> <span class="cmt_word">there is favour</span> - the favour and good will of God, which are bestowed upon them because their heart is right. The word <span class="accented">ratson</span> might equally refer to the good will of man, which the righteous gain by their kindness to sinners and ready sympathy; but in that case the antithesis would be less marked. Septuagint, "The houses of transgressors owe purification (<span class="greek">ὀφειλήσουσι καθαρισμόν</span>); but the houses of the just are aceeptable." This is explained to signify that sinners refuse to offer the sacrifice which they need for their legal purification; but the righteous, while they have no necessity for a sin offering, are acceptable when they present their free will vows and thanksgivings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Fools</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ֭וִלִים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·wi·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mock</span><br /><span class="heb">יָלִ֣יץ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·lîṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3887.htm">Strong's 3887: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the making of amends,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָשָׁ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_817.htm">Strong's 817: </a> </span><span class="str2">Guilt, a fault, a sin-offering</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but goodwill is found</span><br /><span class="heb">רָצֽוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ṣō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7522.htm">Strong's 7522: </a> </span><span class="str2">Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבֵ֖ין</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the upright.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשָׁרִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(yə·šā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3477.htm">Strong's 3477: </a> </span><span class="str2">Straight, right</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins (Prov. 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