New English Translation
Proverbs 10:23
23Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.
Proverbs 10:23 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
- New International Version (NIV)A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
- New King James Version (NKJV)To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.
Context of Proverbs 10:23
21The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. 22The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow to it. Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment. 24What the wicked fears will come on him; what the righteous desire will be granted. 25When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous are an everlasting foundation.
Read all of Proverbs 10Proverbs 10:23 word by word
כִּשְׂח֣וֹק לִ֭כְסִיל עֲשׂ֣וֹת זִמָּ֑ה וְ֝חָכְמָ֗ה לְאִ֣ישׁ תְּבוּנָֽה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 10:23
- Proverbs 14:9Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.
- Proverbs 15:21Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course.
- Proverbs 26:18Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows,
- Ecclesiastes 11:9Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes, but know that God will judge your motives and actions.
Commentaries on Proverbs 10:23
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 23It is a sport to a fool to do mischief - What a millstone weight of iniquity hangs about the necks of most of the jesters. facetious and witty people! "How many lies do they tell in jest, to go to the devil in earnest!"Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 23As the fool finds his sport in doing mischief, so the man of understanding finds in wisdom his truest refreshment and delight.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 23Verse 23 Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2323. Sin is the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom that of the good.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 10:23
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 10
- 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
New English Translation — © 1996-2016 Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
Commentaries