Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom. New Living Translation Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible. English Standard Version Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. Berean Standard Bible The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. King James Bible It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. New King James Version To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom. New American Standard Bible Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a person of understanding. NASB 1995 Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a man of understanding. NASB 1977 Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool; And so is wisdom to a man of understanding. Legacy Standard Bible Doing wickedness is like laughing to a fool, And so is wisdom to a man of discernment. Amplified Bible Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin], But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy. Christian Standard Bible As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a person of understanding. Holman Christian Standard Bible As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a man of understanding. American Standard Version It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness; And so is wisdom to a man of understanding. Contemporary English Version Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely. English Revised Version It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness: and so is wisdom to a man of understanding. GOD'S WORD® Translation Like the laughter of a fool when he carries out an evil plan, so is wisdom to a person who has understanding. Good News Translation It is foolish to enjoy doing wrong. Intelligent people take pleasure in wisdom. International Standard Version Just as the fool considers wickedness his joy, so is wisdom to the discerning man. NET Bible Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment. New Heart English Bible It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure. Webster's Bible Translation It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. World English Bible It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTo execute inventions [is] as play to a fool, "" And wisdom to a man of understanding. Young's Literal Translation To execute inventions is as play to a fool, And wisdom to a man of understanding. Smith's Literal Translation As laughter to the foolish one, to do mischief: and wisdom is to the man of understanding. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA fool worketh mischief as it were for sport: but wisdom is prudence to a man. Catholic Public Domain Version The foolish work wickedness as if in jest. But wisdom is prudence to a man. New American Bible Crime is the entertainment of the fool; but wisdom is for the person of understanding. New Revised Standard Version Doing wrong is like sport to a fool, but wise conduct is pleasure to a person of understanding. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt is sport to a fool to do mischief; but a man of understanding has wisdom. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A moron, in making merry, does evil, and a man has wisdom by his reasoning. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness, And so is wisdom to a man of discernment. Brenton Septuagint Translation A fool does mischief in sport; but wisdom brings forth prudence for a man. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son…22The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. 23The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.… Cross References Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. Proverbs 26:18-19 Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, / so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. / A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. / Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. Isaiah 5:20-21 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. / Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Jeremiah 4:22 “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” Jeremiah 9:24 But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. Hosea 7:3 They delight the king with their evil, and the princes with their lies. Micah 7:3 Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. Romans 1:32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 6:21 What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. 1 Corinthians 13:6 Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:15-17 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Philippians 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. Treasury of Scripture It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom. Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Proverbs 26:18,19 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, … Jump to Previous Conduct Delight Delights Discernment Evil Execute Finds Fool Foolish Fool's Good Inventions Mischief Play Pleasure Sense Sport Understanding Wickedness Wisdom Wise WrongJump to Next Conduct Delight Delights Discernment Evil Execute Finds Fool Foolish Fool's Good Inventions Mischief Play Pleasure Sense Sport Understanding Wickedness Wisdom Wise WrongProverbs 10 1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vicesThe fool delights in shameful conduct This phrase highlights the nature of a fool, who finds pleasure in actions that are morally wrong or disgraceful. In biblical context, a "fool" is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but rather someone who rejects God's wisdom and moral order. The Hebrew word for "fool" often implies moral deficiency rather than intellectual. This aligns with Psalm 14:1, which states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and reputation, so engaging in shameful conduct would not only harm the individual but also the community. The fool's delight in such behavior indicates a deeper spiritual and moral corruption, as seen in Romans 1:32, where people not only practice unrighteousness but also approve of those who do. but a man of understanding has wisdom Persons / Places / Events 1. The FoolIn the context of Proverbs, the fool is someone who rejects wisdom and moral discipline, often engaging in behavior that is contrary to God's commands. 2. The Man of Understanding This person is characterized by wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to living according to God's principles. 3. Solomon Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel. Teaching Points The Nature of FoolishnessFoolishness is not just a lack of knowledge but a delight in actions that are shameful and contrary to God's will. The Value of Wisdom Wisdom is more than intellectual knowledge; it is the practical application of understanding in daily life, leading to righteous living. The Consequences of Conduct Our actions reflect our character. Engaging in shameful conduct leads to negative consequences, while wisdom leads to life and peace. Pursuing Understanding Seek to grow in understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from wise believers. Living as a Witness Our conduct should reflect our faith and serve as a testimony to others, drawing them towards the wisdom found in Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:23?2. How does Proverbs 10:23 define the behavior of a foolish person? 3. What does Proverbs 10:23 suggest about the joy of the wise? 4. How can we apply Proverbs 10:23 to resist sinful temptations? 5. Which other Proverbs reinforce the message of Proverbs 10:23? 6. How can we cultivate the "delight" in wisdom mentioned in Proverbs 10:23? 7. How does Proverbs 10:23 define the difference between folly and wisdom in daily actions? 8. What does Proverbs 10:23 suggest about the moral character of a fool? 9. How can Proverbs 10:23 be applied to modern ethical dilemmas? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10? 11. Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can “foolishness” be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society? 12. Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone? 13. Proverbs 19:23 promises protection from harm for those who fear God--how do real-world tragedies affecting believers align with this assurance? 14. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns against the love of money, but does this align with interpretations that encourage 'prosperity gospel' teachings in some Christian circles? What Does Proverbs 10:23 Mean Context of Proverbs 10- Proverbs 10 begins the collection of Solomon’s concise sayings that contrast the righteous with the wicked. - Verse 23 sits in a line of couplets (vv. 22-25) that compare how each path results in either blessing or trouble, echoing themes found in Proverbs 3:33-35 and Psalm 37:9-11. “The fool delights in shameful conduct” - “Fool” in Proverbs signals someone who resists God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 14:1). - “Delights” shows not mere participation but pleasure in wrongdoing, similar to Proverbs 15:21, “Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment.” - “Shameful conduct” (literally “doing wrong”) covers deceit (Proverbs 10:18), violence (Proverbs 13:2), crude joking (Ephesians 5:4), and any sin flaunted without remorse. - The fool’s entertainment value in sin mirrors Proverbs 26:18-19, where a prankster laughs after harming others, evidencing a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). A man of understanding has wisdom - “Man of understanding” describes one who discerns God’s ways (Proverbs 14:29; 17:27). - He “has wisdom,” meaning he possesses, guards, and applies it (Proverbs 4:7; James 3:13). - Unlike the fool’s thrill in evil, the wise person gains true satisfaction from insight and obedience, echoing Psalm 1:2, “his delight is in the law of the LORD.” - Daniel 12:3 pictures such people as shining “like the brightness of the expanse” because they turn many to righteousness. Living the contrast today - Entertainment choices: Ask, Does this show, joke, or meme trivialize sin (Romans 1:32)? - Conversation: Do my words build up with grace (Colossians 4:6) or showcase foolish jesting? - Decision-making filter: • Will this action honor Christ (Colossians 3:17)? • Will it cultivate understanding or celebrate shame? - Pursue wisdom intentionally: daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:105), counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 13:20), Holy Spirit dependence (Galatians 5:16). summary Proverbs 10:23 contrasts two delights: the fool finds pleasure in sin, while the person of understanding treasures wisdom. One path deadens the heart; the other enriches it with insight that accords with God’s character. Choose the delight that lasts—pursue wisdom and refuse to laugh at what grieves the Lord. (23) But a man of understanding hath wisdom.--Rather, But wisdom (is sport) to a man of understanding, i.e., one rejoices in mischief, the other (comp. Proverbs 8:30) in wise thoughts and deeds.Verse 23. - As sport. The wicked make their pastime and amusement in doing evil. A man of understanding hath wisdom. As thus put, the sentence is jejune. The Revised Version expresses the meaning better: "And so is wisdom to a man of understanding;" i.e. the wise man finds his refreshment in living a wise and prudent life, which is as easy and as pleasant to him as mischief is to the vicious. The wisdom intended is practical religion, the fear of God directing and showing itself in daily action. Septuagint, "A fool doeth mischief in sport (ἐν γέλωτι), but wisdom produceth prudence for a man."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The foolלִ֭כְסִיל (liḵ·sîl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool delights כִּשְׂח֣וֹק (kiś·ḥō·wq) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7814: Laughter, derision, sport in shameful זִמָּ֑ה (zim·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2154: A plan, device, wickedness conduct, עֲשׂ֣וֹת (‘ă·śō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make but a man לְאִ֣ישׁ (lə·’îš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of understanding תְּבוּנָֽה׃ (tə·ḇū·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice has wisdom. וְ֝חָכְמָ֗ה (wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom Links Proverbs 10:23 NIVProverbs 10:23 NLT Proverbs 10:23 ESV Proverbs 10:23 NASB Proverbs 10:23 KJV Proverbs 10:23 BibleApps.com Proverbs 10:23 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 10:23 Chinese Bible Proverbs 10:23 French Bible Proverbs 10:23 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do (Prov. 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