English Standard Version
Proverbs 15:21
21Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
Context of Proverbs 15:21
19The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. 23To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, 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 10:23Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
- Proverbs 14:9Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
- Proverbs 26:18Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
- Proverbs 11:12Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
- Proverbs 14:16One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.
- 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 those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Ephesians 5:15Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
- James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of 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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries