The fool delights in shameful conductThis phrase highlights the nature of a fool, who finds pleasure in actions that are morally wrong or disgraceful. In biblical context, a "fool" is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but rather someone who rejects God's wisdom and moral order. The Hebrew word for "fool" often implies moral deficiency rather than intellectual. This aligns with
Psalm 14:1, which states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and reputation, so engaging in shameful conduct would not only harm the individual but also the community. The fool's delight in such behavior indicates a deeper spiritual and moral corruption, as seen in
Romans 1:32, where people not only practice unrighteousness but also approve of those who do.
but a man of understanding has wisdom
In contrast to the fool, the "man of understanding" is one who seeks and applies God's wisdom. Understanding in the biblical sense involves discernment and the ability to see things from God's perspective. This is echoed inProverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Wisdom is portrayed as a valuable treasure throughout Proverbs, often personified as a woman calling out to be embraced (Proverbs 8). The man of understanding recognizes the importance of aligning his life with divine principles, which leads to a life of integrity and righteousness. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply practical, guiding one's actions and decisions.James 3:13-17 contrasts earthly wisdom with wisdom from above, emphasizing that true wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and full of mercy.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The FoolIn the context of Proverbs, the fool is someone who rejects wisdom and moral discipline, often engaging in behavior that is contrary to God's commands.
2.
The Man of UnderstandingThis person is characterized by wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to living according to God's principles.
3.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Nature of FoolishnessFoolishness is not just a lack of knowledge but a delight in actions that are shameful and contrary to God's will.
The Value of WisdomWisdom is more than intellectual knowledge; it is the practical application of understanding in daily life, leading to righteous living.
The Consequences of ConductOur actions reflect our character. Engaging in shameful conduct leads to negative consequences, while wisdom leads to life and peace.
Pursuing UnderstandingSeek to grow in understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from wise believers.
Living as a WitnessOur conduct should reflect our faith and serve as a testimony to others, drawing them towards the wisdom found in Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:23?
2.How does Proverbs 10:23 define the behavior of a foolish person?
3.What does Proverbs 10:23 suggest about the joy of the wise?
4.How can we apply Proverbs 10:23 to resist sinful temptations?
5.Which other Proverbs reinforce the message of Proverbs 10:23?
6.How can we cultivate the "delight" in wisdom mentioned in Proverbs 10:23?
7.How does Proverbs 10:23 define the difference between folly and wisdom in daily actions?
8.What does Proverbs 10:23 suggest about the moral character of a fool?
9.How can Proverbs 10:23 be applied to modern ethical dilemmas?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can “foolishness” be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?
12.Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?
13.Proverbs 19:23 promises protection from harm for those who fear God--how do real-world tragedies affecting believers align with this assurance?
14.1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns against the love of money, but does this align with interpretations that encourage 'prosperity gospel' teachings in some Christian circles?What Does Proverbs 10:23 Mean
Context ofProverbs 10-Proverbs 10 begins the collection of Solomon’s concise sayings that contrast the righteous with the wicked.
- Verse 23 sits in a line of couplets (vv. 22-25) that compare how each path results in either blessing or trouble, echoing themes found inProverbs 3:33-35 andPsalm 37:9-11.
“The fool delights in shameful conduct”- “Fool” in Proverbs signals someone who resists God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:7;Psalm 14:1).
- “Delights” shows not mere participation but pleasure in wrongdoing, similar toProverbs 15:21, “Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment.”
- “Shameful conduct” (literally “doing wrong”) covers deceit (Proverbs 10:18), violence (Proverbs 13:2), crude joking (Ephesians 5:4), and any sin flaunted without remorse.
- The fool’s entertainment value in sin mirrorsProverbs 26:18-19, where a prankster laughs after harming others, evidencing a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2).
A man of understanding has wisdom- “Man of understanding” describes one who discerns God’s ways (Proverbs 14:29; 17:27).
- He “has wisdom,” meaning he possesses, guards, and applies it (Proverbs 4:7;James 3:13).
- Unlike the fool’s thrill in evil, the wise person gains true satisfaction from insight and obedience, echoingPsalm 1:2, “his delight is in the law of the LORD.”
-Daniel 12:3 pictures such people as shining “like the brightness of the expanse” because they turn many to righteousness.
Living the contrast today- Entertainment choices: Ask, Does this show, joke, or meme trivialize sin (Romans 1:32)?
- Conversation: Do my words build up with grace (Colossians 4:6) or showcase foolish jesting?
- Decision-making filter:
• Will this action honor Christ (Colossians 3:17)?
• Will it cultivate understanding or celebrate shame?
- Pursue wisdom intentionally: daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:105), counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 13:20), Holy Spirit dependence (Galatians 5:16).
summaryProverbs 10:23 contrasts two delights: the fool finds pleasure in sin, while the person of understanding treasures wisdom. One path deadens the heart; the other enriches it with insight that accords with God’s character. Choose the delight that lasts—pursue wisdom and refuse to laugh at what grieves the Lord.
(23)
But a man of understanding hath wisdom.--Rather,
But wisdom(
is sport)
to a man of understanding, i.e.,one rejoices in mischief, the other (comp.
Proverbs 8:30) in wise thoughts and deeds.
Verse 23. -
As sport. The wicked make their pastime and amusement in doing evil.
A man of understanding hath wisdom. As thus put, the sentence is jejune. The Revised Version expresses the meaning better: "And so is wisdom to a man of understanding;"
i.e. the wise man finds his refreshment in living a wise and prudent life, which is as easy and as pleasant to him as mischief is to the vicious. The wisdom intended is practical religion, the fear of God directing and showing itself in daily action. Septuagint, "A fool doeth mischief in sport (
ἐνγέλωτι), but wisdom produceth prudence for a man."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The foolלִ֭כְסִיל(liḵ·sîl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684:Stupid fellow, dullard, fooldelightsכִּשְׂח֣וֹק(kiś·ḥō·wq)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7814:Laughter, derision, sportin shamefulזִמָּ֑ה(zim·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2154:A plan, device, wickednessconduct,עֲשׂ֣וֹת(‘ă·śō·wṯ)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makebut a manלְאִ֣ישׁ(lə·’îš)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof understandingתְּבוּנָֽה׃(tə·ḇū·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394:Intelligence, an argument, capricehas wisdom.וְ֝חָכְמָ֗ה(wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdom
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do (Prov. Pro Pr) 
