What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:23? 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. |
    |