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.
• 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.
• 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 the sluggard is blocked with 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 brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. 22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 23A person finds joy in giving an apt 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

Words taken from the KJV.

• Follyאִוֶּ֫לֶת'ivveleth · follyH200
• joyשִׂמְחָהώimchâh · joyH8057
• destituteחָסֵרchâsêr · lackingH2638
• of wisdomלֵבlêb · heartH3820
• but a manאִישׁ'îysh · manH376
• of understandingתְּבוּנָהtâbûn tebûnâh tôbûnâh · understandingH8394
• walkethיָלַךְyâlak · to walkH3212
• uprightlyיָשַׁרyâshar · to smoothH3474

Cross-references for Proverbs 15:21

• Proverbs 10:23A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
• Proverbs 14:9Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
• Proverbs 26:18Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death
• Proverbs 11:12Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
• Proverbs 14:16The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
• Job 28:28And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
• Psalms 111:10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
• Ephesians 5:15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
• James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, 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