Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:21, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
American Standard Version
Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
World English Bible version
Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
Proverbs 15:21 Meaning & Commentary
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. – Proverbs 15:21 (ESV)
The word ‘Folly’ in Proverbs 15:21 is the Hebrew word ‘ivveleth,’ which means foolishness or ‘stupidity.’ This verse says that if someone lacks sense, folly is a joy to them. Sense is often referred to as ‘common sense.’ There is a saying which says, ‘Common sense is not that common anymore.’ It is also sometimes referred to as good sense. This is the ability to know what is right or wrong and act accordingly. It is not a ‘super spiritual’ ability but is rather basic logic and reasoning.
Common sense can protect, guide, and help us from making bad decisions. For example, if we have a group of friends going somewhere that we know is not a good place and with people known to do bad things, common sense will guide and dictate to us that joining them is not a good idea. It is not a difficult decision; neither is it something that we need to ‘pray about.’
However, as common as these things may seem – Proverbs 15:21 tells us that when someone lacks basic sense, they find ‘joy’ in folly. This could be because the person just delights in doing wicked or stupid things or because they lack even the most basic understanding and knowledge of God.
This is why the second part of Proverbs 15:21 says that ‘a man of understanding walks straight ahead’. This does not mean they walk in a literal straight line, but rather that their lifestyle is ‘straight’ and they delight in upright living. The more understanding we have, the more we are inclined to walk a straight and narrow path. Understanding keeps us walking in common sense. We understand that hanging out with the wrong crowd gets us into trouble – therefore, we don’t. We understand that arriving at work late every day can get us fired – therefore, we don’t. This is how understanding keeps us on the ‘straight and narrow’ path!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:21 to our lives?
As we draw closer to God, we will grow in our relationship with Him. When we do this, we will grow in the fear of The Lord and the knowledge of God: Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Our hearts will also be inclined to upright and holy living and shun folly, embracing the straight and narrow path instead. Furthermore, the people we surround ourselves with can and do make a big difference: Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
When we walk with wise people, they rub off on us, and we also begin to become wise. In like manner, when we surround ourselves with people who are not Christ-like, it rubs off on us as well – in the wrong way: 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Therefore, we must choose our friends very carefully, as it is one of the biggest determining factors of where we will end up. Furthermore, God’s word should be the standard in our lives – not only to learn and know but, more importantly, to apply it.
When we know God’s word and apply it to every area of our lives, we are automatically ‘shielded’ from acting foolishly. God’s word is truth and brings light to every area of our lives. However, The Bible warns us against knowing God’s word but failing to apply it in our lives: James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Knowing and doing God’s word is an ‘antidote’ to foolishness and a ‘sure-fire’ way to grow in understanding and knowledge!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. I ask you today for wisdom, understanding, and insight. I ask that You surround me with wise people who can challenge me and help me to become a better, wiser person. I pray that Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life. I ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
