New English Translation
Proverbs 15:21
21Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course.
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 sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is like a highway. 20A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person despises his mother. Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course. 22Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established. 23A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time – 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 10:23Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.
- Proverbs 14:9Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.
- Proverbs 26:18Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows,
- Proverbs 11:12The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who has discernment keeps silent.
- Proverbs 14:16A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is overconfident.
- Job 28:28And he said to mankind, ‘The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
- Psalms 111:10To obey the Lord is the fundamental principle for wise living; all who carry out his precepts acquire good moral insight. He will receive praise forever.
- Ephesians 5:15Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,
- James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.
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
New English Translation — © 1996-2016 Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
Commentaries