Proverbs 24:9
Proverbs 24:9 in Multiple Translations
A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
The thought of foolishness is sin; And the scoffer is an abomination to men.
The purpose of the foolish is sin: and the hater of authority is disgusting to others.
Plans thought up by stupid people are sinful. Everyone hates those who are scornful of others.
The wicked thought of a foole is sinne, and the scorner is an abomination vnto men.
The thought of folly [is] sin, And an abomination to man [is] a scorner.
The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men.
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
The thought of a fool is sin: and the detracter is the abomination of men.
It is sinful to plan to do foolish things, and people hate those who make fun of everything that is good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:9
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 24:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זִמַּ֣ת
אִוֶּ֣לֶת
חַטָּ֑את
וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת
לְ/אָדָ֣ם
לֵֽץ
זִמַּ֣ת
zimmâh
H2154
wickedness
N-fs
אִוֶּ֣לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
חַטָּ֑את
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
N-fs
וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
Conj | N-fs
לְ/אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
לֵֽץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
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 24:9
זִמַּ֣ת
zimmâh
H2154
"wickedness"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a wicked or evil plan, and can include things like adultery, incest, and idolatry. It is used to describe the bad intentions or schemes of people in the Bible.
Definition: 1) plan, device, wickedness, evil plan, mischievous purpose 1a) plan, purpose 1b) evil device, wickedness 1c) not chaste, incest, licentiousness, adultery, idolatry, harlotry
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). See also: Leviticus 18:17; Ezekiel 16:27; Psalms 26:10.
אִוֶּ֣לֶת
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.
חַטָּ֑את
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
N-fs
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
לְ/אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
לֵֽץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Adj
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:9
Context — Saying 24
7Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.
8He who plots evil will be called a schemer.
9A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.
10If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength! 11Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 15:19 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 10:5 | We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. |
| 3 | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:8 | Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. |
| 5 | Matthew 9:4 | But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? |
| 6 | Proverbs 24:8 | He who plots evil will be called a schemer. |
| 7 | Acts 8:22 | Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. |
| 8 | Genesis 6:5 | Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. |
| 9 | Matthew 5:28 | But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? |
Proverbs 24:9 Summary
This verse tells us that making foolish plans or being a mocker is not pleasing to God or to others. It's like Proverbs 10:9 says, 'The man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.' We should strive to live with integrity and make wise choices, like it says in Psalms 119:133, 'Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.' By following God's Word and seeking His wisdom, we can avoid foolish schemes and live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a foolish scheme according to Proverbs 24:9?
A foolish scheme is any plan or idea that goes against God's will and is considered sin, as stated in Proverbs 24:9, and is also warned against in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says He has plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
Who is a mocker according to the Bible?
A mocker is someone who ridicules or scorns others, often in a proud or arrogant manner, and is detestable to men, as seen in Proverbs 24:9, and also warned against in Proverbs 21:24, where it says the proud and arrogant person is called a mocker.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our plans and actions have consequences, and that we should strive to live according to God's will, as stated in Romans 12:2, and that our actions should be guided by wisdom and a desire to honor God, rather than foolish or sinful schemes.
What is the difference between a foolish scheme and a wise plan?
A foolish scheme is driven by selfish or sinful desires, whereas a wise plan is guided by God's wisdom and principles, as seen in James 1:5, where it says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be engaging in foolish schemes, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I cultivate wisdom and discernment to recognize and avoid foolish plans?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, rather than being a mocker or a source of negativity?
- What are some Bible verses that I can meditate on to help me make wise decisions and avoid sinful schemes?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:9
The thoughts of foolishness [is] sin,.... The thought of sin is sin (e), before it comes into action; the motions of sin in the mind, the workings of corrupt nature in the heart, the sinful desires
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:9
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. The thought (Hebrew, zimat (H2154); literally, evil or mischievous counsel) of foolishness (i:e., of the man of foolishness) (is) sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
The thought of foolishness is sin; the very inward thought or contrivance of evil, of which he spake , even before it break forth into action, it is a sin in God’ s sight, and it is hateful to God. Or foolishness is put for foolish or wicked men, by comparing this with the next clause where the scorner is opposed to it. So the sense is, All the thoughts of wicked men are only evil, and that continually, as is said of man in his corrupt estate, , and therefore abominable to God. The scorner; he who not only deviseth and practiseth wickedness, but obstinately persists in it, and rejects all admonitions against it. Is an abomination to men; is abominable not only to God, as all sinners are, but to all sober men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
Proverbs 24:9 The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men.Ver. 9. The thought of foolishness is sin.] The schools do well observe, that outward sins are maioris infamiae, of greater infamy; but inward heart sins are maioris reatus, of greater guilt, as we see in devils. And the scorner is an abomination to men.] Witness Julian, Lucian, Porphyry, Julius Scaliger, that proud hypercritic ( qui neminem prae se duxit hominem), Laurentius Valla, who jeered at other logicians, and extolled his own logic as the only best, calling it Logicam Laurentinam. “ Iupiter hunc coeli dignatus honore fuisset, Censorem linguae sed timet ipse suae. ” - Trithem. But what an odious scorner was Quintinus the libertine, of whom Calvin complains, that he scoffed at every one of the holy apostles? Paul he called a broken vessel, John a foolish youth, Peter a denier of God, Matthew a usurer, En quomodo ille faetoris gurges putido ore suo blasphemare audebat! saith Calvin. See how this stinking elf doth bark and blaspheme the saints. The basest can mock, as the abjects did David, and Tobiah the servant did Nehemiah. Scorners are the most base spirits. The Septuagint call them pests, incorrigible, proud persons, naught, &c. Calv., Inst.
Advers. Libert, cap. 9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
(9) The thought of foolishness is sin.—Rather, Sin is the contrivance (plotting) of self-will. Sin is the “transgression of the law” of God (1 John 3:4), when we desert the plain rule of duty, and plot how we can indulge our own self-will.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
Verse 9. The thought of foolishness is sin] זמת אולת חטאת zimmath ivveleth chattath. "The device of folly is transgression;" or, "an evil purpose is sinful;" or, perhaps more literally, "the device of the foolish is sin." It has been variously understood by the versions. "The cunning: of the fool is sin." - Targum. "The imprudent man (or fool, αφρων) shall die in sins." - Septuagint. So the Arabic. The thinkynge of the fool is synne. - Old MS. Bible. Fool is here taken for a wicked man, who is not only evil in his actions, but every thought of his heart is evil, and that continually. A simple thought about foolishness, or about sin itself, is not sinful; it is the purpose or device, the harbouring evil thoughts, and devising how to sin, that is criminal.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:9
9. foolishness] i.e. fools: abstract for concrete. and] “Or, but the scorner. Perhaps the meaning is that the very purpose of evil is sinful in the sight of God; but the bold and insolent transgressor is not only offensive to God but odious to men.” Rel. Tr. Soc. Commentary.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:9
9. The thought (device or purpose) of foolishness is sin — A wicked device is sinful. A man is accountable for his thoughts, plans, purposes, as well as for his deeds.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(History of the Salvation Army) the Doctrine of Holiness by H. Scotney | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the struggle that believers often face in asserting their own will instead of surrendering to the divine will. He references Romans 7, where P |
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The Bible on Sin by Ray Brubaker | In this sermon, Ray Brubaker discusses the concept of sin and its consequences. He highlights that sin is the fundamental cause of divisions in society and the woes of the world. B |
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Temptation and Deliverance (Or Joseph's Great Temptation and Gracious Deliverance) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of avoiding things that lead and expose to sin, using the example of Joseph's behavior under temptation to illustrate the need to fle |
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A Clean Heart by Ernest O'Neill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of swearing and its implications. He acknowledges that even though using mild swear words may not seem too evil, it is still wrong |
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The Citadel of the Soul by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong emphasizes the concept of the human soul as a citadel, a place of security and autonomy where individuals have the power to choose what enters and exits. He highligh |
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Sinners Bound to Change Their Own Hearts by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity for sinners to actively seek a new heart and spirit, as commanded in Ezekiel 18:31. He argues that this requirement is not unreasonable, as |
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The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |