Fools mock
The Hebrew word for "fools" here is "kesilim," which refers to those who are morally deficient and lack wisdom. In the biblical context, a fool is not merely someone who is unwise but someone who actively rejects God's wisdom and guidance. The act of mocking, or "lits" in Hebrew, implies a scornful and derisive attitude. This phrase suggests that fools not only fail to understand the importance of reconciliation and repentance but also ridicule those who seek to make things right. Historically, this reflects a broader biblical theme where foolishness is equated with a rejection of divine principles and a life led by selfish desires.

the making of amends
The phrase "making of amends" can be understood as the process of seeking forgiveness and restoring relationships. In Hebrew, this concept is often tied to "asham," which involves guilt offerings or reparations. The biblical tradition places a high value on reconciliation, as seen in the sacrificial systems of the Old Testament, which were designed to restore the relationship between God and humanity. This phrase underscores the importance of humility and the willingness to acknowledge one's wrongs, a concept that is often mocked by those who are prideful and unrepentant.

but goodwill
The term "goodwill" is translated from the Hebrew word "rason," which conveys a sense of favor, acceptance, and delight. In the biblical context, goodwill is often associated with God's favor towards those who live righteously. This phrase suggests that those who are upright, or "yashar" in Hebrew, are characterized by a spirit of grace and kindness. Goodwill is not merely an absence of conflict but an active pursuit of peace and harmony, reflecting the character of God Himself.

is found among the upright
The "upright" are those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. The Hebrew word "yashar" implies straightness or integrity. In the biblical narrative, the upright are often contrasted with the wicked, highlighting a life that is aligned with God's will. This phrase indicates that among those who are righteous, there is a culture of goodwill and reconciliation. The upright are not only recipients of God's favor but also conduits of His grace to others, embodying the biblical call to love one's neighbor and seek peace.

(9) Fools make a mock at sin.--Rather, perhaps, sin mocks fools (they miss the gratification they expected from it); or, the sin-offering mocks them. God does not accept it, and so they have the trouble and cost of offering it for nothing; "but among the upright there is favour." God is well pleased with them.

Verse 9. - Fools make a mock at sin. So the Vulgate (comp. Proverbs 10:23). Fools, wicked men, commit sin lightly and cheerfully, give specious names to grievous transgressions, pass over rebuke with a joke, encourage others in crime by their easy way of viewing it. But in the original the verb is in the singular number, while the noun is plural, and the clause could be translated as in the Authorized Version only with the notion that the number of the verb is altered in order to individualize the application of the maxim ('Speaker's Commentary'). But there is no necessity for such a violent anomaly. The subject is doubtless the word rendered "sin" (asham) which means both "sin" and "sin offering." So we may render, "Sin mocks fools," i.e. deceives and disappoints them of the enjoyment which they expected. Or better, as most in harmony with the following member, "The sin offering of fools mocks them" (Proverbs 15:8). Thus Aquila and Theodotion, ἄφρονας χλευάζει πλημμέλεια, where πλημμέλεια may signify "sin offering" (Ecclus. 7:31). It is vain for such to seek to win God's favour by ceremonial observances; offerings from them are useless expenditure of cost and trouble (Proverbs 21:27). The Son of Sirach has well expressed this truth: "He that sacrificeth of a thing unlawfully gotten, his offering is mockery (μεμωκημένη), and the mockeries of unjust men are not well pleasing. The Most High is not pleased with the offerings of the godless, neither is he propitiated for sin by the multitude of sacrifices" (Ecclus. 31:18, 19). It is always the disposition of the heart that conditions the acceptableness of worship. Among the righteous there is favour - the favour and good will of God, which are bestowed upon them because their heart is right. The word ratson might equally refer to the good will of man, which the righteous gain by their kindness to sinners and ready sympathy; but in that case the antithesis would be less marked. Septuagint, "The houses of transgressors owe purification (ὀφειλήσουσι καθαρισμόν); but the houses of the just are aceeptable." This is explained to signify that sinners refuse to offer the sacrifice which they need for their legal purification; but the righteous, while they have no necessity for a sin offering, are acceptable when they present their free will vows and thanksgivings.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Fools
אֱ֭וִלִים (’ĕ·wi·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 191: Foolish

mock
יָלִ֣יץ (yā·lîṣ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

the making of amends,
אָשָׁ֑ם (’ā·šām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 817: Guilt, a fault, a sin-offering

but goodwill is found
רָצֽוֹן׃ (rā·ṣō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522: Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will

among
וּבֵ֖ין (ū·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the upright.
יְשָׁרִ֣ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins (Prov. Pro Pr)