21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
Proverbs 15:21
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 10:22–24
22 The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. 23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
Proverbs 14:7–9
7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. 9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
Proverbs 16:21–23
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Proverbs 18:1–3
1 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. 3 With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
Sirach 16:22–24
22 Who will declare his works of righteousness? Who will wait for them? For his covenant is afar off. (WEB) 23 He who is lacking in understanding thinks about these things. An unwise and erring man thinks foolishly. (WEB) 24 My son, listen to me, learn knowledge, and heed my words… (WEB)
Proverbs 15:13–15
13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. 14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 17:23–25
23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. 24 Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
Sirach 27:12–14
12 Limit your time among people void of understanding, but persevere among the thoughtful. (WEB) 13 The talk of fools is offensive. Their laughter is wantonly sinful. (WEB) 14 Their talk with much swearing makes hair stand upright. Their strife makes others plug their ears. (WEB)
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources