Parallel Verses

International Standard Version

Just as the fool considers wickedness his joy, so is wisdom to the discerning man.

New American Standard Bible

Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

King James Version

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Holman Bible

As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool,
so wisdom is for a man of understanding.

A Conservative Version

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief, and [so is] wisdom to a man of understanding.

American Standard Version

It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness; And'so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

Amplified


Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin],
But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.

Bible in Basic English

It is sport to the foolish man to do evil, but the man of good sense takes delight in wisdom.

Darby Translation

It is as sport to a foolish man to do wickedness; but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Julia Smith Translation

As laughter to the foolish one, to do mischief: and wisdom is to the man of understanding.

King James 2000

It is as sport to a fool to do wrong: but a man of understanding has wisdom.

Lexham Expanded Bible

[It is] like a sport for a fool to do wrong, wisdom for a person of understanding.

Modern King James verseion

To work out evil devices is as laughter to a fool; so wisdom is to a man of understanding.

Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale

A fool doth wickedly and maketh but a sport of it; nevertheless it is wisdom for a man to beware of such.

NET Bible

Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.

New Heart English Bible

It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.

The Emphasized Bible

It is, mere sport to a stupid man, to commit lewdness, but, wisdom, pertaineth to a man of understanding.

Webster

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

World English Bible

It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.

Youngs Literal Translation

To execute inventions is as play to a fool, And wisdom to a man of understanding.

Interlinear

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
It is as sport
שׂחק שׂחוק 
S@chowq 
Usage: 15

to a fool
כּסיל 
K@ciyl 
Usage: 70

to do

Usage: 0

but a man
אישׁ 
'iysh 
Usage: 692

תּובנה תּבוּנה תּבוּןo 
Tabuwn 
Usage: 42

Context Readings

Proverbs Concerning The Mouth

22 The blessing of the LORD establishes wealth, and difficulty does not accompany it. 23 Just as the fool considers wickedness his joy, so is wisdom to the discerning man. 24 What the wicked fears will come about, but the longing of the righteous will be granted.

Cross References

Proverbs 15:21

Stupidity is the delight of the senseless, but an understanding man walks uprightly.

Proverbs 2:14

who delight in doing evil, and rejoice in the perverseness of evil;

Proverbs 14:9

Fools make fun of guilt, but among the upright there are good intentions.

Proverbs 26:18-19

Like the maniac who shoots fiery darts and deadly arrows

Ecclesiastes 11:9

So enjoy yourself in your youth, young man, and be encouraged during your younger days. Live as you like, consistent with your world view, but keep in mind that God will bring you to account for everything.

King James Version Public Domain

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org

American Standard Version Public Domain

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible

Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain