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<!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 10:23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/10-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_10_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 10:23 - Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom." /><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'; 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And <i>so is</i> wisdom to a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Doing wickedness is like laughing to a fool, And <i>so is</i> wisdom to a man of discernment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin], But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom <i>brings joy</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a person of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a man of understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness; And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness: and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Like the laughter of a fool when he carries out an evil plan, so is wisdom to a person who has understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is foolish to enjoy doing wrong. Intelligent people take pleasure in wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Just as the fool considers wickedness his joy, so is wisdom to the discerning man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To execute inventions [is] as play to a fool, "" And wisdom to a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To execute inventions is as play to a fool, And wisdom to a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As laughter to the foolish one, to do mischief: and wisdom is to the man of understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A fool worketh mischief as it were for sport: but wisdom is prudence to a man. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The foolish work wickedness as if in jest. But wisdom is prudence to a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Crime is the entertainment of the fool; but wisdom is for the person of understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Doing wrong is like sport to a fool, but wise conduct is pleasure to a person of understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It is sport to a fool to do mischief; but a man of understanding has wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A moron, in making merry, does evil, and a man has wisdom by his reasoning.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness, And so is wisdom to a man of discernment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A fool does mischief in sport; but wisdom brings forth prudence for a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/10-23.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=1826" 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/10.htm">Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: liḵ·sîl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">The fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/7814.htm" title="7814: kiś·ḥō·wq (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Laughter, derision, sport. Or schoq; from sachaq; laughter.">delights</a> <a href="/hebrew/2154.htm" title="2154: zim·māh (N-fs) -- A plan, device, wickedness. Or zammah; from zamam; a plan, especially a bad one.">in shameful</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śō·wṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">conduct,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: lə·’îš (Prep-l:: 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/2451.htm" title="2451: wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">has wisdom.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.…<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/14-9.htm">Proverbs 14:9</a></span><br />Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21</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="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18-19</a></span><br />Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, / so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1-3</a></span><br />As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. / 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="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20-21</a></span><br />Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. / Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a></span><br />“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-24.htm">Jeremiah 9:24</a></span><br />But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/7-3.htm">Hosea 7:3</a></span><br />They delight the king with their evil, and the princes with their lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Micah 7:3</a></span><br />Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a></span><br />Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Romans 6:21</a></span><br />What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-6.htm">1 Corinthians 13:6</a></span><br />Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Ephesians 5:4</a></span><br />Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.<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="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a></span><br />Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has 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/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21</a></b></br> Folly <i>is</i> joy to <i>him that is</i> destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.</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><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-31.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-31.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/149-9.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Fool's</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Inventions</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-18.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/psalms/144-9.htm">Play</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-18.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-23.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Fool's</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-29.htm">Inventions</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Play</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices</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/10.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/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The fool delights in shameful conduct</b><br>This phrase highlights the nature of a fool, who finds pleasure in actions that are morally wrong or disgraceful. In biblical context, a "fool" is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but rather someone who rejects God's wisdom and moral order. The Hebrew word for "fool" often implies moral deficiency rather than intellectual. This aligns with <a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>, which states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and reputation, so engaging in shameful conduct would not only harm the individual but also the community. The fool's delight in such behavior indicates a deeper spiritual and moral corruption, as seen in <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a>, where people not only practice unrighteousness but also approve of those who do.<p><b>but a man of understanding has wisdom</b><br>In contrast to the fool, the "man of understanding" is one who seeks and applies God's wisdom. Understanding in the biblical sense involves discernment and the ability to see things from God's perspective. This is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Wisdom is portrayed as a valuable treasure throughout Proverbs, often personified as a woman calling out to be embraced (Proverbs 8). The man of understanding recognizes the importance of aligning his life with divine principles, which leads to a life of integrity and righteousness. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply practical, guiding one's actions and decisions. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-17</a> contrasts earthly wisdom with wisdom from above, emphasizing that true wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and full of mercy.<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 rejects wisdom and moral discipline, often engaging in behavior that is contrary to God's commands.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_man_of_understanding.htm">The Man of Understanding</a></b><br>This person is characterized by wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to living according to God's principles.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_foolishness.htm">The Nature of Foolishness</a></b><br>Foolishness is not just a lack of knowledge but a delight in actions that are shameful and contrary to God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is more than intellectual knowledge; it is the practical application of understanding in daily life, leading to righteous living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_conduct.htm">The Consequences of Conduct</a></b><br>Our actions reflect our character. Engaging in shameful conduct leads to negative consequences, while wisdom leads to life and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_understanding.htm">Pursuing Understanding</a></b><br>Seek to grow in understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from wise believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_a_witness.htm">Living as a Witness</a></b><br>Our conduct should reflect our faith and serve as a testimony to others, drawing them towards the wisdom found in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10</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><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_do_tragedies_align_with_proverbs_19_23.htm">Proverbs 19:23 promises protection from harm for those who fear God--how do real-world tragedies affecting believers align with this assurance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_tim_6_9-10_oppose_prosperity_gospel.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns against the love of money, but does this align with interpretations that encourage 'prosperity gospel' teachings in some Christian circles?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">But a man of understanding hath wisdom.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">But wisdom </span>(<span class= "ital">is sport</span>)<span class= "ital"> to a man of understanding, i.e., </span>one rejoices in mischief, the other (comp. <a href="/proverbs/8-30.htm" title="Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;">Proverbs 8:30</a>) in wise thoughts and deeds.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As sport.</span> The wicked make their pastime and amusement in doing evil. <span class="cmt_word">A man of understanding hath wisdom.</span> As thus put, the sentence is jejune. The Revised Version expresses the meaning better: "And so is wisdom to a man of understanding;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the wise man finds his refreshment in living a wise and prudent life, which is as easy and as pleasant to him as mischief is to the vicious. The wisdom intended is practical religion, the fear of God directing and showing itself in daily action. Septuagint, "A fool doeth mischief in sport (<span class="greek">ἐν</span> <span class="greek">γέλωτι</span>), but wisdom produceth prudence for a man." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/10-23.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">The fool</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֭כְסִיל</span> <span class="translit">(liḵ·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">delights</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּשְׂח֣וֹק</span> <span class="translit">(kiś·ḥō·wq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7814.htm">Strong's 7814: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laughter, derision, sport</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in shameful</span><br /><span class="heb">זִמָּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(zim·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2154.htm">Strong's 2154: </a> </span><span class="str2">A plan, device, wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">conduct,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשׂ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a man</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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">תְּבוּנָֽה׃</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">has wisdom.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝חָכְמָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 10:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 10:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/10-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 10:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 10:24" /></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>