Proverbs 15:21

21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path.^[a]

Proverbs 15:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 15:21

Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom
Or "that wants a heart" ^F17, a wise and understanding one; by "folly" is meant sin, for all sin is folly; and that is very pleasing and joyous to a wicked he chooses it and delights in it; instead of being ashamed of it, and sorry for it, he glories in it, and makes his boast of it; and not only takes pleasure in committing it himself, but also in those that do it; see ( Proverbs 10:23 ) ; but a man of understanding walketh uprightly;
he who has his understanding enlightened by the Spirit of God; who has an understanding given him by the Son of God; who has a spiritual and experimental understanding of the Gospel, and the truths of it: he walks according to the rule of the divine word; he walks as he has Christ for an example, and by faith on him; and after the spirit, and not after the flesh: or "directs himself in walking" ^F18, his goings, as the Vulgate Latin version, according to the above rule, example, and guidance, by the assistance of the spirit and grace of God; otherwise it is not in man that walketh of himself to direct his steps, ( Jeremiah 10:23 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (bl roxl) "carenti corde", Montanus; "ei qui deficitur", Schultens.
F18 (tkl rvyy) "diriget seipsum ambulando", Montanus; "diriget ambulare, vel ad ambulandum", Vatablus; "diriget viam suam ad ambulandum", Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 15:21 In-Context

19 A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish one despises his mother.

21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path.

22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A man takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word-how good that is!

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 4:11,25; 10:23