Proverbs 15:21

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 slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. 22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 23A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:21 word by word

אִ֭וֶּלֶת שִׂמְחָ֣ה לַחֲסַר־לֵ֑ב וְאִ֥ישׁ תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה יְיַשֶׁר־לָֽכֶת׃Read the interlinear

• Follyאִוֶּ֫לֶת'ivveleth · follyH200
• is joyשִׂמְחָהώimchâh · joyH8057
• to one who lacksחָסֵרchâsêr · lackingH2638
• judgmentלֵבlêb · heartH3820
• but a manאִישׁ'îysh · manH376
• of understandingתְּבוּנָהtâbûn tebûnâh tôbûnâh · understandingH8394
• walksהָלַךְhâlak · to go: walkH1980
• a straight pathיָשַׁרyâshar · to smoothH3474

Cross-references for Proverbs 15:21

• Proverbs 10:23The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
• Proverbs 14:9Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
• Proverbs 26:18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,
• Proverbs 11:12Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
• Proverbs 14:16A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.
• Job 28:28And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
• Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
• Ephesians 5:15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
• James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from 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

• Fool
• Integrity
• Joy
• Pleasure
• Wisdom
• Worldliness

In the dictionaries

• Abomination
• Cheerful
• Continual
• Countenance
• Disappoint
• Disperse
• Feast
• Grievous
• Humility
• Poetry

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