Proverbs 15:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The foolish find delight in folly itself; the wise walk uprightly.
The Context of Proverbs 15:21
The source of joy reveals the state of one's wisdom.
What Does Proverbs 15:21 Mean?
For one who lacks wisdom, folly is actually joyful—they enjoy foolishness because they cannot see its consequences or contradictions. This is not mere happiness but a tragic delight: finding pleasure in what destroys. The person of understanding, by contrast, does not find joy in folly but in upright conduct.
The verse suggests that the fool has become his own prisoner: he delights in what undermines him. The wise person's joy comes not from cheap amusement but from the integrity of walking uprightly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 15:21
What does Proverbs 15:21 mean?
The foolish find delight in folly itself; the wise walk uprightly.
What is the context of Proverbs 15:21?
The source of joy reveals the state of one's wisdom.