Proverbs 10:23 kjv

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23 nkjv

To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23 niv

A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23 esv

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Proverbs 10:23 nlt

Doing wrong is fun for a fool,
but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 23 Meaning

Fools derive amusement and delight from wickedness and evil schemes, showing a corrupt moral nature. Conversely, a discerning individual finds inherent satisfaction and purpose in wisdom, understanding it as their guiding principle and joy. This proverb contrasts the inverted values of the morally depraved with the righteous delight of those who live by God-given wisdom.

Proverbs 10 23 Context

Proverbs chapter 10 marks a significant shift in the book's structure. Following the longer wisdom poems and admonitions of chapters 1-9, chapters 10-29 predominantly feature short, concise, two-line proverbs, often in antithetical parallelism. This means the second line contrasts with the first, clarifying its meaning by opposition. Proverbs 10 specifically sets forth a series of comparisons between the righteous/wise and the wicked/foolish, highlighting the moral character and practical consequences of each path. Verse 23 functions as a microcosm of this central theme, revealing the divergent inner disposition and ultimate delight found in choosing between wickedness and wisdom. The historical and cultural context for the original Israelite audience emphasized the foundational importance of "wisdom" (ḥokmāh) as God-given insight for living justly and rightly in covenant relationship with Yahweh, often contrasting it with the perceived "cleverness" or "cunning" of surrounding pagan cultures which might value selfish gain over moral uprightness. The proverb inherently serves as a call for God's people to delight in His truth.

Proverbs 10 23 Word analysis

• It is as sport (שְׂחוֹק, śᵉḥōq): This Hebrew term signifies laughter, mockery, amusement, or play. It conveys that wickedness is not a reluctant or accidental activity for the fool, but something they enjoy, finding it a source of entertainment and even deriving pleasure from its execution. This is a profound and unsettling revelation of moral corruption.
• to a fool (אֱוִיל, ʾĕwîl): In Proverbs, the ʾĕwîl is not simply unintelligent but morally deficient, stubbornly resistant to instruction and correction, despising wisdom and walking in their own way. This fool's delight in sin underscores their spiritual depravity and lack of true discernment.
• to do mischief (זִמָּה, zimmah): This is a strong word meaning "wickedness," "depravity," "evil design," or "plotting." It refers to calculated, premeditated wrongdoing, not mere thoughtless mistakes. For the ʾĕwîl, this intentional moral perversion is not burdensome but a source of twisted "sport."
• but a man of understanding (אִישׁ תְּבוּנָה, ʾîš tᵉvûnāh): This phrase describes a person of discernment, insight, and comprehension. This individual possesses not just knowledge, but the ability to process it, apply it, and make sound judgments. They grasp the difference between good and evil, and their delight aligns with the good.
• hath wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokmāh): Wisdom here refers to applied knowledge, practical sagacity, and shrewdness in righteous living that stems from the fear of God. For the man of understanding, wisdom isn't a task but an inherent attribute and source of fulfillment.

Words-group analysis

• "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief": This phrase powerfully conveys the deeply corrupted moral state of the fool. Their pleasure is fundamentally inverted; they find amusement and satisfaction in acts that are wicked, destructive, or contrary to God's ways. This is not mere temptation or occasional failure, but a fundamental orientation towards evil, treated as lighthearted amusement.
• "but a man of understanding hath wisdom": This antithetical phrase emphasizes the inherent quality of wisdom in the discerning person. For them, wisdom is not something external to be acquired with effort but is a part of their very being. This "having" wisdom means that it is an internal spring of their actions, attitudes, and above all, their ultimate source of satisfaction, which is rooted in righteousness and truth.

Proverbs 10 23 Bonus section

• The antithetical parallelism of this proverb not only highlights the difference between the wise and the foolish but also emphasizes the source of their pleasure. This reveals what each person treasures at their core.
• "Wisdom" in this context is far more than intellectual prowess; it is fundamentally practical, moral, and spiritual, derived from a proper relationship with God (the "fear of the Lord").
• The phrase "hath wisdom" can imply that wisdom is intrinsic to the nature and being of the discerning person, shaping their very outlook on life and guiding their emotions, rather than merely being a set of rules they follow.
• This verse indirectly points to the sovereignty of God's moral order. While fools may mock sin and its consequences, the established order of wisdom will always prevail and be a source of true good for those who embrace it.

Proverbs 10 23 Commentary

Proverbs 10:23 reveals a stark contrast in the fundamental joys of two types of individuals. The fool, defined by a deliberate rejection of God's truth and a moral obtuseness, finds their "sport" or amusement in carrying out wicked designs. This isn't merely tolerating sin but actively relishing it, which speaks to a deeply corrupted moral compass and a dangerous indifference to consequences. Their mirth is a perverted response to their own depravity. In opposition, the person of understanding doesn't merely acquire wisdom intellectually; they possess it as an inherent quality and find delight in its very essence. For them, living by truth and righteousness, guided by divine wisdom, is not a burden but the very source of their joy and stability. This verse highlights that one's attitude towards evil and good — what truly brings them satisfaction — is a clear indicator of their spiritual and moral condition.

Examples:

• Fool: One who spreads malicious rumors and enjoys seeing the ensuing conflict, treating the hurt it causes as entertainment.
• Man of Understanding: A person who finds deep satisfaction in teaching sound doctrine, resolving conflict with truth, or engaging in acts of selfless service, recognizing that such actions align with divine wisdom.