Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:21
Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author of Proverbs addresses learners within a wisdom discourse, using direct contrast to define opposing life trajectories.
The words — אִוֶּלֶת (Ivulath) means foolishness or moral lack, and יְיַשֵׁר (yeyasher) literally means "he makes straight," describing the upright conduct of the understanding man.
The thread — The fool versus wise man contrast appears in Proverbs 14:16, and the command to walk wisely echoes Ephesians 5:15. Proverbs 10:23 similarly pairs the fool's delight with the understanding person's wisdom.
Why it lands — The reader must examine whether their actions stem from a lack of judgment or from cultivated understanding, choosing the disciplined course over the immediate pleasure of folly.
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
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 5:15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
- Proverbs 10:23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
- Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.
- Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
- Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Proverbs 11:12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
- 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,
- James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.