Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:9, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
American Standard Version
A trespass-offering mocketh fools; But among the upright there is good will.
World English Bible version
Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.
Proverbs 14:9 Meaning & Commentary
Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor. -Proverbs 14:9 (NKJV)
Firstly, this verse speaks about the attitude of a fool toward sin. The verse tells us that fools “mock” sin. This tells us that they do not take it seriously. When someone mocks something, it shows they have no regard for it. However, in the context of this verse, The Bible is saying that fools disregard sin and have no issue or “problem” with living a sinful life. This could be interpreted as saying that fools have no issue living sinful lives and have no problem with others doing the same.
This is the opposite of what God desires for us. The Bible makes it clear that we are to walk in holiness: 1 Peter 1:14-16 – As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
The second portion of Proverbs 14:9 says that among the upright is favor. We know that under the new covenant, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are in right standing with God. However, we have a part to play in our walk with God. We need to “work out” what God has “worked in” our lives:
Philippians 2:12-13 – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ grew in stature, in wisdom, and favor with both God and men: Luke 2:52 – And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Our lives should model the same pattern once we are born again – we grow in our walk with God and increase in favor.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:9 to our lives?
There are a few principles we see throughout scripture which help us grow in our walk with God, increase in favor, and turn away from sin to live a holy life with God. The most well-known principles are probably prayer and studying The Word of God. The Bible encourages us to pray always: Ephesians 6:18 – praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Prayer is a vast subject, but needless to say that the only thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was to pray: Luke 11:1 – Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” We need to learn how to pray and practice it regularly.
The Word of God needs to become a priority in our lives, as Jesus himself is the living word. The more of God’s Word that we have in us (when inspired by God), the more of Christ that gets formed in us: Galatians 4:19 – my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
Another critical key to apply in our lives is obedience. Just as Jesus Christ had to grow in stature, favor, and wisdom, The Bible also tells us that he had to grow in obedience: Hebrews 5:8 – Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Obedience is a basic of Christianity, which we need to practice daily. Jesus said if we are obedient – we will experience a closeness and intimacy with Him:
John 14:21 – Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word today. Please help me apply Your Word so I can see the fruits in my life.
Thank You for the promise that you will love and manifest yourself to me when I treasure and obey your words. Help me walk in purity and holiness all the days of my life. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
