Proverbs 15:21
Proverbs 15:21 in Multiple Translations
Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
Foolish behaviour is joy to the unwise; but a man of good sense makes his way straight.
Stupidity makes people with no sense happy, but sensible people do what is right.
Foolishnes is ioy to him that is destitute of vnderstanding: but a man of vnderstanding walketh vprightly.
Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth [his] going.
Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Folly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight his steps.
Foolish people are happy to continually act foolishly; those who have good sense do what is right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:21
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 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֭וֶּלֶת
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
לַ/חֲסַר
לֵ֑ב
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
יְיַשֶׁר
לָֽכֶת
אִ֭וֶּלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
simchâh
H8057
joy
N-fs
לַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Prep | Adj
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fs
יְיַשֶׁר
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
לָֽכֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Inf-a
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 15:21
אִ֭וֶּלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
לַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Prep | Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
יְיַשֶׁר
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
לָֽכֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:21
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
19The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 23A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:15 | Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:23 | The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. |
| 3 | Proverbs 14:16 | A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:9 | Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. |
| 5 | 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! |
| 6 | 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.’” |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | 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!” |
| 9 | Proverbs 11:12 | Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. |
Proverbs 15:21 Summary
Proverbs 15:21 teaches us that people who lack wisdom often find joy in foolish things, but those who understand and follow God's wisdom will live a more straightforward and purposeful life, as seen in Psalm 37:23-24, where it is written that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. This verse encourages us to seek God's wisdom and guidance, rather than relying on our own understanding, and to trust in His plan for our lives, as described in Jeremiah 29:11. By doing so, we can avoid the troubles that come from foolishness and find true joy and fulfillment in following God's path, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it is written to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to lack judgment in Proverbs 15:21?
To lack judgment means to be without discernment or wisdom, often leading to foolish decisions, as seen in Proverbs 15:21, and can be compared to the foolishness described in Proverbs 10:23, where it is written that foolishness brings joy to one who lacks sense.
How does a man of understanding walk a straight path?
A man of understanding walks a straight path by following God's wisdom and guidance, as described in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it is written to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, and in Psalm 119:105, where the word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
What is the relationship between folly and joy in this verse?
According to Proverbs 15:21, folly can bring a false sense of joy to one who lacks judgment, but true joy comes from following God's wisdom, as seen in Psalm 16:11, where it is written that in God's presence is fullness of joy.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that our choices have consequences, and that following God's wisdom, as described in James 1:5-8, will lead us down a straight path, while foolishness will lead to trouble, as seen in Proverbs 15:21, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and discernment in our daily decisions.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be lacking judgment, and how can I seek God's wisdom to make better decisions?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's wisdom, and what role does the Bible play in guiding my path?
- What are some potential consequences of choosing folly over wisdom, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking counsel, as described in Proverbs 15:22, to my own decision-making process?
- How can I distinguish between true joy and the fleeting happiness that comes from foolishness, and what role does my relationship with God play in this distinction?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:21
Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom,.... Or "that wants a heart" (q), a wise and understanding one; by "folly" is meant sin, for all sin is folly; and that is very pleasing and joyous
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:21
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Folly (is) joy to (him that is) destitute of wisdom - (Proverbs 10:23.) "Folly," i:e., sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
Is joy; he doth not only work wickedness, but taketh pleasure in it. Walketh uprightly, Heb. directeth or maketh straight his going, i.e. ordereth all his actions by the rule of God’ s word, and delighteth in so doing, which is understood from the opposite clause.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
Proverbs 15:21 Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.Ver. 21. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of understanding.] But a man of understanding walketh uprightly.] And he doth it with delight, as the opposition implies. Christ’ s "burden" is no more "grievous" to him than the wing is to the bird. His sincerity supplies him with serenity; the joy of the Lord, as an oil of gladness, makes him lithe and nimble in ways of holiness. And this spiritual joy, in some, is a habitual gladness of heart, which constantly, after assurance, is found in them, though they feel not the passions of joy; but in others there are felt at some times the vehement passions of joy, but not any constant gladness. Sinceritas serenitatis mater, sine qua tranquillitas omnis tempestas est. - Isidor.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
(21) Folly.—Shown in wasted opportunities, and the commission of evil (Proverbs 10:23), while the “man of understanding” directs his way in accordance with the will of God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:21
21. wisdom] Lit. heart, as in Proverbs 11:12. walketh uprightly] Lit. maketh straight his going. The parallelism consists in the contrast between the reckless “joy” with which the heartless fool revels in his “folly,” and the care and caution with which a man of understanding makes straight his way. Comp. βλέπετεἀκριβωςπῶςπεριπατεῖτε, μὴὡςἄσοφοι, ἀλλʼ ? ὡςσοφοί, Ephesians 5:15.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:21
i. e., The empty-hearted, rejoicing in folly, goes the wrong way; the man of understanding, rejoicing in wisdom, goes the right way.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
21. Destitute of wisdom — Hebrews, lacks heart; that is, understanding or intelligence. Walketh uprightly — Literally, makes straight going.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Sowing and Reaping by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is always watching over us. He shares a story of a father and son who plan to cut a log on someone el |
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A Life Changing Prayer by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ceaseless prayer and provides a six-fold request for believers to pray for one another. He encourages fathers and mothers t |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Bondage and Liberty by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. He warns against using this freedom as an e |
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(Hebrews - Part 44): The Root of Bitterness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives. He compares the challenges and dangers faced by believers to va |
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Dealing With the Pressure of Time by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice regarding one's eternal existence. He warns against delaying the decision to accept Jesus Christ as person |