CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/20_Pro_15_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:21 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/15-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/15-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm" title="Proverbs 15:20">◄</a> Proverbs 15:21 <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm" title="Proverbs 15:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.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/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Folly <i>is</i> joy to <i>him that is</i> destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Folly <i>is</i> joy <i>to him who is</i> destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is joy to one who lacks sense, But a person of understanding walks straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Folly is gladness to him who lacks a heart <i>of wisdom</i>, But a man of discernment walks straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart <i>and</i> lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Stupidity brings happiness to senseless fools, but everyone with good sense follows the straight path. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Stupidity is fun to the one without much sense, but a person who has understanding forges straight ahead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Stupid people are happy with their foolishness, but the wise will do what is right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Stupidity is the delight of the senseless, but an understanding man walks uprightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one lacking heart, "" And a man of intelligence directs [his] going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Folly is joy to him wanting heart: and the man of understanding will make straight to go.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Folly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight his steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Folly is gladness to the foolish. And the prudent man sets his own steps in order.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Folly is joy to the senseless, but the person of understanding goes the straight way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding walks straight ahead.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A foolish man lacks understanding; but a man of understanding walks uprightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A foolish man is lacking heart and an understanding man walks justly.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding; But a man of discernment walketh straightforwards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-21.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=2949" 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/15.htm">A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: ’iw·we·leṯ (N-fs) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">Folly</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">is joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: la·ḥă·sar- (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">to one who lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">judgment,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">but a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: tə·ḇū·nāh (N-fs) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">of understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lå̄·ḵɛṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">walks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3474.htm" title="3474: yə·yaš·šer- (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To be smooth, straight, or right. A primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be right, pleasant, prosperous.">a straight path.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.…<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="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23</a></span><br />The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Proverbs 28:26</a></span><br />He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.<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="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></span><br />Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Proverbs 19:3</a></span><br />A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm">Proverbs 21:16</a></span><br />The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</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. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-19</a></span><br />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.”<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="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a></span><br />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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly.</p><p class="hdg">joy</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/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9</a></b></br> Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous <i>there is</i> favour.</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">destitute of wisdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12</a></b></br> He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.</p><p class="hdg">a man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></b></br> A wise <i>man</i> feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></b></br> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that <i>is</i> wisdom; and to depart from evil <i>is</i> understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>is</i> the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do <i>his commandments</i>: his praise endureth for ever.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Aright</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Course</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Directeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Unwise</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Uprightly</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Aright</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Course</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Directeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/songs/7-2.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Unwise</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Uprightly</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-24.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">A gentle answer turns away wrath</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/15.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/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment</b><br>This phrase highlights the contrast between foolishness and wisdom. In biblical terms, folly is often associated with moral and spiritual deficiency. The Hebrew word for "folly" can imply a lack of moral insight or discernment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued, and the lack of it was seen as a significant flaw. The joy found in folly suggests a temporary and misguided pleasure, similar to the fleeting satisfaction of sin described in <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Hebrews 11:25</a>. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true joy and fulfillment come from living in accordance with God's wisdom and commandments.<p><b>but a man of understanding walks a straight path</b><br>The "man of understanding" refers to someone who possesses discernment and insight, qualities that are repeatedly praised in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Walking a "straight path" symbolizes living a life of integrity and righteousness. This imagery is common in Proverbs and other wisdom texts, where the path or way often represents one's life choices and moral direction. The straight path is contrasted with the crooked or perverse path of the wicked, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13-15</a>. This phrase also echoes the teachings of Jesus, who spoke of the narrow path leading to life in <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a>, emphasizing the importance of choosing the way of wisdom and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the fool is someone who lacks wisdom and discernment, often making choices that lead to negative consequences.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_man.htm">The Wise Man</a></b><br>This person is characterized by understanding and discernment, choosing a path that aligns with God's wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path.htm">The Path</a></b><br>Symbolically represents the journey of life and the choices one makes, either towards folly or wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_nature_of_folly.htm">Understanding the Nature of Folly</a></b><br>Folly is not just ignorance but a willful rejection of wisdom. It is crucial to recognize the joy that fools find in their folly as a warning sign of spiritual immaturity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_discernment.htm">The Value of Discernment</a></b><br>A man of understanding is marked by his ability to discern right from wrong. This discernment is cultivated through a relationship with God and a commitment to His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/walking_the_straight_path.htm">Walking the Straight Path</a></b><br>The straight path symbolizes a life aligned with God's will. It requires intentionality and a commitment to living according to biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_choices.htm">The Consequences of Choices</a></b><br>Every choice leads us closer to wisdom or folly. Understanding the long-term impact of our decisions is essential for spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_wisdom_from_god.htm">Seeking Wisdom from God</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from God. Believers are encouraged to seek His guidance in all aspects of life, trusting that He will lead them on the right path.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_christians_treat_foes.htm">What does 'a merry heart does good like medicine' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_eternal_rewards_does_the_bible_promise.htm">Does laughter bring joy to the heart?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_ecclesiastes_10_2_culturally_biased.htm">Does the association of the wise with the “right” and fools with the “left” (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_godly_parenting_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about godly parenting?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Folly.--</span>Shown in wasted opportunities, and the commission of evil (<a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm" title="It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom.">Proverbs 10:23</a>), while the "man of understanding" directs his way in accordance with the will of God.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom;</span> literally, <span class="accented">void of heart</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> of understanding (<a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23</a>). 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." <span class="cmt_word">A man of understanding walketh uprightly;</span> goes the right way. It is implied that the fool goes the wrong way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-21.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">Folly</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֭וֶּלֶת</span> <span class="translit">(’iw·we·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is joy</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to one who lacks</span><br /><span class="heb">לַחֲסַר־</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥă·sar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judgment,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">walks</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽכֶת׃‪‬‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a straight path.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְיַשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(yə·yaš·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>