Proverbs 14:9
Proverbs 14:9 in Multiple Translations
Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
A trespass-offering mocketh fools; But among the upright there is good will.
In the tents of those hating authority there is error, but in the house of the upright man there is grace.
Stupid people laugh at sin, but good people want forgiveness.
The foole maketh a mocke of sinne: but among the righteous there is fauour.
Fools mock at a guilt-offering, And among the upright — a pleasing thing.
Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor.
A fool will laugh at sin, but among the just grace shall abide.
Foolish people make fun of their committing sins; but God is pleased with those who do what is right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱ֭וִלִים
יָלִ֣יץ
אָשָׁ֑ם
וּ/בֵ֖ין
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
רָצֽוֹן
אֱ֭וִלִים
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
יָלִ֣יץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אָשָׁ֑ם
ʼâshâm
H817
guilt (offering)
N-ms
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
רָצֽוֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:9
אֱ֭וִלִים
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
יָלִ֣יץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
אָשָׁ֑ם
ʼâshâm
H817
"guilt (offering)"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to guilt or a fault, often requiring a sin offering. It is used to describe a trespass or offense against God, as seen in the book of Leviticus. The KJV translates it as guiltiness or trespass offering.
Definition: 1) guilt, offense, guiltiness 1a) offense, trespass, fault 1b) guilt, guiltiness 1c) compensation (for offense) 1d) trespass offering, guilt offering
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: guiltiness, (offering for) sin, trespass (offering). See also: Genesis 26:10; Leviticus 14:25; Psalms 68:22.
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
רָצֽוֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:9
Context — The Wise Woman
7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
9Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy. 11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:18–19 | Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:23 | The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. |
| 3 | Romans 14:17–18 | For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:15 | Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. |
| 5 | Proverbs 30:20 | This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:2 | The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. |
| 7 | Proverbs 1:22 | “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:35 | For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. |
| 9 | Jude 1:18 | when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 3:4 | Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. |
Proverbs 14:9 Summary
[Proverbs 14:9 teaches us that fools mock the idea of making things right when they have wronged someone, but people who are upright and honest know that making amends is important. Making amends means saying sorry and trying to fix the problem, like Jesus taught in Matthew 5:23-24. When we make amends, we can earn back the trust and respect of others, and we can also have a clear conscience before God, as mentioned in Acts 24:16. By being humble and willing to apologize, we can show goodwill towards others and build stronger, more meaningful relationships.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'make amends' in Proverbs 14:9?
Making amends refers to the act of seeking forgiveness and restoration after wronging someone, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus teaches the importance of reconciling with others before approaching God.
Why do fools mock the making of amends?
Fools mock the making of amends because they are prideful and unwilling to admit their mistakes, as mentioned in Proverbs 16:18, which states that pride precedes destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
What is the benefit of being upright and making amends?
Being upright and making amends leads to goodwill, as stated in Proverbs 14:9, and also earns respect and trust from others, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely.
How can I apply Proverbs 14:9 to my life?
You can apply Proverbs 14:9 to your life by being humble and willing to apologize and make amends when you have wronged someone, just as the Bible teaches in 1 John 1:9, which says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I been like a fool, mocking the idea of making amends, and how can I change my attitude towards seeking forgiveness and restoration?
- What are some relationships in my life where I need to make amends, and what steps can I take to start the process of reconciliation?
- How can I cultivate goodwill in my relationships, and what are some practical ways I can demonstrate kindness and humility towards others?
- What are some areas in my life where I have been prideful and unwilling to admit my mistakes, and how can I humble myself and seek forgiveness from God and others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin,.... At sinful actions, their own or others; they make light of them, a jest of them, call evil good, and good evil; take pleasure in doing them themselves, and in those that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
Fools, wicked men, as appears from their opposition to the righteous in the next clause, make a mock at sin; please and support themselves with their own and other men’ s sins, which is a high offence and provocation to God and men. Or, as others render it, excuse or cover sin; sin against God or men, and then justify or extenuate their sins, which is to double the injury. Possibly this clause may be thus rendered, Sin deludes or makes a mock of fools, or sinners, i.e. exposeth them to shame and contempt, which is fitly opposed to favour in the next clause. And thus two ancient and learned interpreters, Aquila and Theodotion, render it. And this suits exactly with the Hebrew words, whereas in the other translation the noun and verb governed by it are of diverse numbers, which, though sometimes it be allowed, yet is not to be supposed without necessity. But this I submit to the learned and judicious. Among the righteous, who are so far from making a mock of sin, or excusing it, that they do not allow themselves to commit it, there is favour; they find favour both with God and men, as this very word thus generally expressed is used, , because they make conscience of ordering their lives so that they offend neither God nor men; or if they offend either, they heartily repent of it; so far are they from excusing it, or pleasing themselves with it. Or, there is good will, as the word properly and usually is taken; they have a real love, and are ready to do all offices of kindness one to another, and therefore neither sin against others, nor rejoice in the sins of others.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour.Ver. 9. Fools make a mock of sin.] A sport or pastime of it. They dance with the devil all day, and yet think to sup with Christ. But what saith the heathen historian? Nae, illi falsi sunt qui diversissimas res expectant, ignaviae vohtptatem, et praemia virtutis. In good truth they are utterly out that take their swing in sin, and yet look for the reward of virtue. No, their sweet meat must have sour sauce. "God also will laugh at their destruction, and mock when their fear cometh." And then "they all shall be damned that had pleasure in unrighteousness," yea, double damned, because they jeered when they should have feared. But among the righteous there is favour.] That, though they sin of infirmity, yet forasmuch as they are sensible and sorrowful for their failings, and see them to confession, God will never see them to their confusion. Homo agnoscit, Deus ignoscit; man repenteth, and God remitteth; yea, he "compasseth his returning people with favour as with a shield," he re-accepts them with all sweetness through Christ, "who is the propitiation for their sins."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
(9) Fools make a mock at sin.—Rather, perhaps, sin mocks fools (they miss the gratification they expected from it); or, the sin-offering mocks them. God does not accept it, and so they have the trouble and cost of offering it for nothing; “but among the upright there is favour.” God is well pleased with them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
Verse 9. Fools make a mock at sin] And only fools would do so. But he that makes a sport of sinning, will find it no sport to suffer the vengeance of an eternal fire. Some learned men by their criticisms have brought this verse into embarrassments, out of which they were not able to extricate it. I believe we shall not come much nearer the sense than our present version does.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:9
9. sin] Rather, guilt, R.V. If this rendering be adopted, the Heb. construction (a sing. verb with a plur. noun, lit. fools, he maketh &c.) will serve to individualise (comp. Proverbs 3:18), and the contrast will be between the noisy assembly of fools, each one turning into jest and ridicule the guilt he has incurred, and the “favour” (or, good will, R.V.) of God and man that rests upon the righteous. We may, however, understand the word guilt to be the subject of the sentence, and then take it in either of two senses: (a) guilt makes a mock of fools, laughing to scorn their anguish and deprecation when it overtakes them (comp. Proverbs 1:26); or (b) a guilt-offering mocks the fool, who offers it with the vain idea that it will take the place of amendment of life, for only on the upright does God’s favour rest. Comp. Isaiah 1:11-20.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock - The verb in the Heb. is singular, the noun plural. The King James Version assumes that the number is altered to individualize the application of the maxim.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:9
9. Fools make a mock at sin — As the verb in the original is singular, not agreeing with ΰεμιν, (evilim,) fools, as its subject, it is somewhat probable that the sentence should be transposed, making
Sermons on Proverbs 14:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Mocking at Sin by Aaron Hills | Aaron Hills delivers a powerful sermon on the devastating effects of sin, describing it as a mysterious virus that influences physical nature and wreaks havoc on the soul. He empha |
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Preach It Seriously by Arthur Vess | Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching with seriousness and eternal significance, rather than focusing on amusing or entertaining the congregation. He highlights the da |
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The Terror of the Lord by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the duality of God's nature, highlighting that while He is rich in mercy, He is equally terrible in wrath. The sermon underscores the importance of |
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Whores' Foreheads by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the alarming lack of shame among sinners, comparing them to those with 'whores' foreheads' who cannot blush for their sins. He emphasizes that many today no |
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General Counsels to Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the nature of sin and its consequences, urging young men to recognize its true evil and the cost of atonement through |
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Other Men's Sins by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that witnessing the sins of others serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent sinfulness within ourselves. He illustrates this through the story of an o |
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The Fool's Bauble, the Fool's Fiddle by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the folly of indulging in sin, describing it as the 'fool's bauble' and 'fool's fiddle.' He emphasizes that fools take delight in wickedness, treating s |