Bible Strands
Proverbs 10:23
The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A wisdom instructor addresses students with a direct contrast between two dispositions, positioned between a statement on divine blessing and a warning about the fate of the wicked.
The words — `זִמָּה` (zimmâh) = shameful conduct or wickedness, and `תְּבוּנָה` (tebûnâh) = understanding or discernment.
The thread — The juxtaposition of foolish delight and discerning wisdom appears in Proverbs 15:21, while the shared motif of taking pleasure in evil runs through Proverbs 2:14. Proverbs 14:9 is not a parallel for this contrast, as it instead contrasts fools mocking amends with goodwill among the upright.
Why it lands — The text demands a reader examine what they actively enjoy, since the object of one's delight reveals whether they operate from folly or discernment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
- Proverbs 2:14 from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,
- Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
- Proverbs 26:18 Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,
- Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.