Proverbs 15:21
19 The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
- KJV
- Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
- WEB
- Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
- ASV
- Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
- DARBY
- Folly is joy to him that is void of sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk.
- BLB
- Folly [is] joy to the one lacking heart, and a man of understanding makes straight [his] walk.
- ÅB
- Dårskap er en glede for den som er uten forstand; men en forstandig mann går rett fram.
- OTB
- Dårskap er glede for den som mangler forstand, men en forstandig person går en rett vei.
- B1930
- Dårskap er en glede for den som er uten forstand; men en forstandig mann går rett frem.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Ephesians 5:15
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Read in contextProverbs 10:23
The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
Read in contextProverbs 14:16
A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.
Read in contextProverbs 26:18–19
Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,
Read in contextProverbs 11:12
Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Read in contextJames 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.
Read in contextPsalms 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
Read in contextProverbs 14:9
Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
Read in context