Fools mock the making of amendsThis phrase highlights the attitude of fools towards reconciliation and repentance. In biblical context, a fool is often someone who rejects wisdom and instruction (
Proverbs 1:7). The act of making amends involves acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking to restore relationships, which is a principle deeply rooted in the teachings of the Old Testament, such as in
Leviticus 6:1-7, where restitution is required for wrongs committed. The mockery by fools can be seen as a rejection of the humility and responsibility that making amends requires. This attitude contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized forgiveness and reconciliation (
Matthew 5:23-24). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and relationships, making the refusal to make amends particularly damaging.
but goodwill is found among the upright
The upright, in biblical terms, are those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. Goodwill, or favor, is often associated with righteousness and integrity. This phrase suggests that those who are upright naturally foster an environment of goodwill, as their actions are aligned with God's will. The upright are often contrasted with the wicked throughout Proverbs, highlighting the blessings and peace that come with living a righteous life (Proverbs 11:27). This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where the fruits of the Spirit include kindness and goodness (Galatians 5:22-23). The historical context of this proverb reflects a society where communal harmony and justice were paramount, and the upright were seen as pillars of such a community. The upright's ability to cultivate goodwill can be seen as a reflection of Christ's own ministry, which was marked by compassion and reconciliation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
FoolsIn the context of Proverbs, "fools" are those who reject wisdom and instruction, often characterized by their lack of moral and spiritual insight.
2.
The UprightThese are individuals who live in accordance with God's wisdom and righteousness, demonstrating integrity and moral character.
3.
Making of AmendsThis refers to the act of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, an important aspect of maintaining relationships and community harmony.
Teaching Points
The Nature of FoolishnessFools are characterized by their disdain for reconciliation and their inability to value the importance of making amends. This reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and pride.
The Value of GoodwillGoodwill among the upright is a testament to their character and their relationship with God. It is a reflection of their commitment to peace and righteousness.
The Importance of ReconciliationMaking amends is not just a social nicety but a spiritual necessity. It is a demonstration of humility and obedience to God's command to love others.
Living with IntegrityThe upright are called to live with integrity, which includes being proactive in seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. This integrity is a witness to others of God's transformative power.
Practical Steps for Making AmendsIdentify areas where reconciliation is needed, approach the situation with humility, and seek to restore relationships through honest communication and forgiveness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:9?
2.How can we avoid the folly of mocking sin in Proverbs 14:9?
3.What does Proverbs 14:9 teach about the importance of seeking God's favor?
4.How does Proverbs 14:9 connect with Romans 6:23 about sin's consequences?
5.In what ways can we practice wisdom and righteousness daily?
6.How can Proverbs 14:9 guide us in choosing our companions wisely?
7.What does Proverbs 14:9 mean by "fools mock the guilt offering"?
8.How does Proverbs 14:9 challenge our understanding of forgiveness and repentance?
9.Why is the concept of a "guilt offering" significant in Proverbs 14:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14?
11.How should one reconcile Psalm 53's portrayal of unbelievers as 'fools' with the existence of thoughtful, morally upright nonbelievers?
12.What disrupts harmony like vinegar on soda?
13.Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?
14.Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can 'foolishness' be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?What Does Proverbs 14:9 Mean
Fools- Scripture paints “fools” as people who live as though God’s wisdom does not matter.Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
- They rely on their own understanding (Proverbs 12:15) and shrug off the fear of the LORD that is “the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).
- In that posture they become insensitive to sin and its consequences, setting up the contrast that the proverb is about to make.
Mock the making of amends- “Mock” pictures a scoffing attitude—laughing off any thought of confession, restitution, or repentance.Proverbs 10:23 notes, “Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,” so when the idea of restoring a broken relationship surfaces, the fool treats it as a joke.
- Genuine amends require humility (Matthew 5:23-24), but fools would rather preserve pride than repair the damage their sin has caused.
-Jeremiah 8:12 shows this same heart in Israel’s rebels: “Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not even know how to blush.”
But- This small hinge word turns the spotlight from folly to wisdom. Hebrew poetry leans on contrasts, and Proverbs frequently uses “but” to highlight the sharp divide between two life paths (seeProverbs 10:1).
Goodwill is found- “Goodwill” speaks of favor, grace, warm acceptance.Proverbs 3:3-4 promises that faithfulness and kindness “will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.”
- Where repentance is valued, relationships are healed, and trust grows.Luke 2:14 links God’s peace to those upon whom His favor rests, underscoring that goodwill arises wherever God-honoring character is practiced.
- Notice the passive “is found”—goodwill is not forced; it organically appears in a community shaped by righteousness.
Among the upright- “Upright” describes people who walk in integrity before God and neighbor (Psalm 84:11;Proverbs 11:20).
- Instead of mockery, they pursue reconciliation, echoingRomans 12:18: “If it is possible…be at peace with everyone.”
- Their lives invite favor because they mirror the gracious heart of God, the One who “delights in those whose way is blameless” (Psalm 37:18).
summaryProverbs 14:9 draws a stark line: fools laugh at the very idea of setting things right, but those who live uprightly cultivate an atmosphere where favor naturally flourishes. The verse calls us to reject proud mockery, embrace sincere repentance, and walk in integrity so that God’s goodwill—and the goodwill of others—finds a home among us.
(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.
Verse 9. -
Fools make a mock at sin. So the Vulgate (comp.
Proverbs 10:23). Fools, wicked men, commit sin lightly and cheerfully, give specious names to grievous transgressions, pass over rebuke with a joke, encourage others in crime by their easy way of viewing it. But in the original the verb is in the singular number, while the noun is plural, and the clause could be translated as in the Authorized Version only with the notion that the number of the verb is altered in order to individualize the application of the maxim ('Speaker's Commentary'). But there is no necessity for such a violent anomaly. The subject is doubtless the word rendered "sin" (
asham) which means both "sin" and "sin offering." So we may render, "Sin mocks fools,"
i.e. deceives and disappoints them of the enjoyment which they expected. Or better, as most in harmony with the following member, "The sin offering of fools mocks them" (
Proverbs 15:8). Thus Aquila and Theodotion,
ἄφροναςχλευάζει πλημμέλεια, where
πλημμέλεια may signify "sin offering" (Ecclus. 7:31). It is vain for such to seek to win God's favour by ceremonial observances; offerings from them are useless expenditure of cost and trouble (
Proverbs 21:27). The Son of Sirach has well expressed this truth: "He that sacrificeth of a thing unlawfully gotten, his offering is mockery (
μεμωκημένη), and the mockeries of unjust men are not well pleasing. The Most High is not pleased with the offerings of the godless, neither is he propitiated for sin by the multitude of sacrifices" (Ecclus. 31:18, 19). It is always the disposition of the heart that conditions the acceptableness of worship.
Among the righteousthere is favour - the favour and good will of God, which are bestowed upon them because their heart is right. The word
ratson might equally refer to the good will of man, which the righteous gain by their kindness to sinners and ready sympathy; but in that case the antithesis would be less marked. Septuagint, "The houses of transgressors owe purification (
ὀφειλήσουσι καθαρισμόν); but the houses of the just are aceeptable." This is explained to signify that sinners refuse to offer the sacrifice which they need for their legal purification; but the righteous, while they have no necessity for a sin offering, are acceptable when they present their free will vows and thanksgivings.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Foolsאֱ֭וִלִים(’ĕ·wi·lîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 191:Foolishmockיָלִ֣יץ(yā·lîṣ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3887:Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mockerthe making of amends,אָשָׁ֑ם(’ā·šām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 817:Guilt, a fault, a sin-offeringbut goodwill is foundרָצֽוֹן׃(rā·ṣō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522:Goodwill, favor, acceptance, willamongוּבֵ֖ין(ū·ḇên)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996:An interval, space betweenthe upright.יְשָׁרִ֣ים(yə·šā·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477:Straight, right
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins (Prov. Pro Pr) 
