Proverbs 14:9 - The Wise Woman

Audio Bible

Context

The Wise Woman
…8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. 9Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. 10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy.…

Cross References

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.Psalm 14:1
For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”Romans 1:22
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,Psalm 53:1
For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.Ephesians 5:15-16
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Ecclesiastes 10:2-3
A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. / Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.Isaiah 32:6
For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.Luke 12:20
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’Job 12:4
I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.2 Timothy 3:13
while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.Psalm 107:17
Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.

Proverbs 1:22
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 10:23
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Proverbs 26:18,19
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, …

among

Proverbs 3:4
So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 8:35
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Jump to Previous

Jump to Next

Proverbs 14

Fools mock the making of amends
This phrase highlights the attitude of fools towards reconciliation and repentance. In biblical context, a fool is often someone who rejects wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7). The act of making amends involves acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking to restore relationships, which is a principle deeply rooted in the teachings of the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus 6:1-7, where restitution is required for wrongs committed. The mockery by fools can be seen as a rejection of the humility and responsibility that making amends requires. This attitude contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and relationships, making the refusal to make amends particularly damaging.

but goodwill is found among the upright
The upright, in biblical terms, are those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. Goodwill, or favor, is often associated with righteousness and integrity. This phrase suggests that those who are upright naturally foster an environment of goodwill, as their actions are aligned with God's will. The upright are often contrasted with the wicked throughout Proverbs, highlighting the blessings and peace that come with living a righteous life (Proverbs 11:27). This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where the fruits of the Spirit include kindness and goodness (Galatians 5:22-23). The historical context of this proverb reflects a society where communal harmony and justice were paramount, and the upright were seen as pillars of such a community. The upright's ability to cultivate goodwill can be seen as a reflection of Christ's own ministry, which was marked by compassion and reconciliation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Fools
In the context of Proverbs, "fools" are those who reject wisdom and instruction, often characterized by their lack of moral and spiritual insight.

2. The Upright
These are individuals who live in accordance with God's wisdom and righteousness, demonstrating integrity and moral character.

3. Making of Amends
This refers to the act of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, an important aspect of maintaining relationships and community harmony.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Foolishness
Fools are characterized by their disdain for reconciliation and their inability to value the importance of making amends. This reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and pride.

The Value of Goodwill
Goodwill among the upright is a testament to their character and their relationship with God. It is a reflection of their commitment to peace and righteousness.

The Importance of Reconciliation
Making amends is not just a social nicety but a spiritual necessity. It is a demonstration of humility and obedience to God's command to love others.

Living with Integrity
The upright are called to live with integrity, which includes being proactive in seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. This integrity is a witness to others of God's transformative power.

Practical Steps for Making Amends
Identify areas where reconciliation is needed, approach the situation with humility, and seek to restore relationships through honest communication and forgiveness.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14How should one reconcile Psalm 53's portrayal of unbelievers as 'fools' with the existence of thoughtful, morally upright nonbelievers?What disrupts harmony like vinegar on soda?Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can 'foolishness' be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?

(9) Fools make a mock at sin.--Rather, perhaps, sin mocks fools (they miss the gratification they expected from it); or, the sin-offering mocks them. God does not accept it, and so they have the trouble and cost of offering it for nothing; "but among the upright there is favour." God is well pleased with them.

Verse 9. - Fools make a mock at sin. So the Vulgate (comp. Proverbs 10:23). Fools, wicked men, commit sin lightly and cheerfully, give specious names to grievous transgressions, pass over rebuke with a joke, encourage others in crime by their easy way of viewing it. But in the original the verb is in the singular number, while the noun is plural, and the clause could be translated as in the Authorized Version only with the notion that the number of the verb is altered in order to individualize the application of the maxim ('Speaker's Commentary'). But there is no necessity for such a violent anomaly. The subject is doubtless the word rendered "sin" (asham) which means both "sin" and "sin offering." So we may render, "Sin mocks fools," i.e. deceives and disappoints them of the enjoyment which they expected. Or better, as most in harmony with the following member, "The sin offering of fools mocks them" (Proverbs 15:8). Thus Aquila and Theodotion, ἄφρονας χλευάζει πλημμέλεια, where πλημμέλεια may signify "sin offering" (Ecclus. 7:31). It is vain for such to seek to win God's favour by ceremonial observances; offerings from them are useless expenditure of cost and trouble (Proverbs 21:27). The Son of Sirach has well expressed this truth: "He that sacrificeth of a thing unlawfully gotten, his offering is mockery (μεμωκημένη), and the mockeries of unjust men are not well pleasing. The Most High is not pleased with the offerings of the godless, neither is he propitiated for sin by the multitude of sacrifices" (Ecclus. 31:18, 19). It is always the disposition of the heart that conditions the acceptableness of worship. Among the righteous there is favour - the favour and good will of God, which are bestowed upon them because their heart is right. The word ratson might equally refer to the good will of man, which the righteous gain by their kindness to sinners and ready sympathy; but in that case the antithesis would be less marked. Septuagint, "The houses of transgressors owe purification (ὀφειλήσουσι καθαρισμόν); but the houses of the just are aceeptable." This is explained to signify that sinners refuse to offer the sacrifice which they need for their legal purification; but the righteous, while they have no necessity for a sin offering, are acceptable when they present their free will vows and thanksgivings. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Fools
אֱ֭וִלִים (’ĕ·wi·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 191: Foolish

mock
יָלִ֣יץ (yā·lîṣ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

the making of amends,
אָשָׁ֑ם (’ā·šām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 817: Guilt, a fault, a sin-offering

but goodwill is found
רָצֽוֹן׃ (rā·ṣō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522: Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will

among
וּבֵ֖ין (ū·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the upright.
יְשָׁרִ֣ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

Links

Proverbs 14:9 NIV
Proverbs 14:9 NLT
Proverbs 14:9 ESV
Proverbs 14:9 NASB
Proverbs 14:9 KJVProverbs 14:9 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 14:9 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 14:9 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 14:9 French Bible
Proverbs 14:9 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins (Prov. Pro Pr)