Proverbs 10:23 Meaning and Explanation
“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A fool takes pleasure in wrongdoing, while a person of understanding finds joy in wisdom.
The Context of Proverbs 10:23
The proverb contrasts the fool's careless, destructive amusement with the wise person's satisfaction in understanding.
What Does Proverbs 10:23 Mean?
To a fool, doing mischief is sport—entertainment, amusement, something taken lightly. This reveals a fundamental disconnection from the seriousness of one's actions and their consequences.
A man of understanding, by contrast, finds his pleasure and satisfaction in wisdom. His joy comes from insight, growth, and right action—things of actual value and substance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 10:23
What does Proverbs 10:23 mean?
A fool takes pleasure in wrongdoing, while a person of understanding finds joy in wisdom.
What is the context of Proverbs 10:23?
The proverb contrasts the fool's careless, destructive amusement with the wise person's satisfaction in understanding.