Amplified Bible
Proverbs 15:21
21Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight].
Proverbs 15:21 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
- New International Version (NIV)Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.
Context of Proverbs 15:21
19The way of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him], But the way [of life] of the upright is smooth and open like a highway. 20A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight]. 22Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed. 23A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!
Read all of Proverbs 15Proverbs 15:21 word by word
אִ֭וֶּלֶת שִׂמְחָ֣ה לַחֲסַר־לֵ֑ב וְאִ֥ישׁ תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה יְיַשֶׁר־לָֽכֶת׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 15:21
- Proverbs 10:23Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin], But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.
- Proverbs 14:9Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools], But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God.
- Proverbs 26:18Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows, and death,
- Proverbs 11:12He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.
- Proverbs 14:16A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, But the fool is arrogant and careless.
- Job 28:28But to man He said, ‘Behold, the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord—that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”
- Psalms 111:10The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; A good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord; His praise endures forever.
- Ephesians 5:15Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people],
- James 3:13Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.
Commentaries on Proverbs 15:21
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 21i. e., The empty-hearted, rejoicing in folly, goes the wrong way; the man of understanding, rejoicing in wisdom, goes the right way.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 21Verse 21 Such as are truly wise, study that their thoughts, words, and actions should be regular, sincere, and holy.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2121. walketh uprightly--and so finds his joy (Pr 3:6; 10:23).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 15:21
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 15
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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