How does Proverbs 10:23 define the behavior of a foolish person? The Verse in Focus Proverbs 10:23: “A fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.” Key Words and Their Weight • Delights – takes pleasure, finds enjoyment, feels entertained • Shameful conduct – wrongdoing, evil, perversion, mischief • Has wisdom – possesses, treasures, and applies godly insight The Heart Posture of Foolishness • Sin is not merely practiced; it is celebrated. • Wrongdoing becomes a hobby, a pastime, even a source of laughter. • The conscience is dulled; Isaiah 5:20 warns against calling evil good and good evil. • Joy is sourced in rebellion rather than in the Lord (contrast Psalm 37:4). Fruit of Foolish Behavior • Proverbs 14:9 – “Fools mock at making amends for sin.” • Proverbs 26:11 – “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” • Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” – Repeated evil brings inevitable harvest: broken relationships, hardened hearts, divine judgment. • Ecclesiastes 10:1 – “Dead flies make the perfumer’s oil stink… a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” Contrast: The Man of Understanding • Takes pleasure in wisdom itself (Proverbs 3:13). • Measures actions by God’s standard, not by thrill or peer approval. • Seeks counsel (Proverbs 15:22) and grows in discernment (Hebrews 5:14). • Lives out Psalm 1:2 – “His delight is in the Law of the LORD.” Takeaways for Today • Enjoyment of sin exposes a foolish heart; enjoyment of wisdom reveals understanding. • Entertainment choices, humor, and hobbies expose inner values. • Ask the Spirit to align delight with righteousness (Galatians 5:22–23). • Treasure wisdom daily through Scripture, obedience, and Christ-centered fellowship, turning from any pastime that makes light of sin. |
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