Proverbs 14:9

¶ Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour.

Fools {H191} make a mock {H3887} at sin {H817}: but among the righteous {H3477} there is favour {H7522}.

Guilt offerings make a mockery of fools; but among the upright there is good will.

Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.

A trespass-offering mocketh fools; But among the upright there is good will.

Proverbs 14:9 presents a sharp contrast between the attitudes and outcomes of the foolish and the righteous, characteristic of the Book of Proverbs' wisdom teachings.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and others. It frequently uses antithetical parallelism, setting two opposing ideas or behaviors against each other to highlight their distinct consequences. This verse fits perfectly within this framework, contrasting the worldview of the "fools" with that of the "righteous," emphasizing the moral discernment central to biblical wisdom. The overarching theme throughout Proverbs is that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

Key Themes

  • The Seriousness of Sin: The verse highlights the dangerous mindset of "fools" who treat sin lightly, even with derision. To "make a mock at sin" implies a profound lack of moral understanding and a disregard for God's law and its consequences. This attitude prevents repentance and spiritual growth.
  • The Nature of Foolishness: In Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: kesil or 'evil) is not merely unintelligent, but morally deficient, resistant to correction, and characterized by a rebellious heart. Such individuals fail to grasp the gravity of moral transgression and its devastating effects, both spiritually and practically.
  • Divine Favor for the Righteous: In stark contrast, the righteous receive "favour" (Hebrew: ratson), which denotes goodwill, pleasure, and acceptance, particularly from God. This favor is a blessing and a mark of divine approval for those who strive to live in accordance with God's commands. It signifies peace, prosperity, and a right relationship with the Creator, demonstrating that God blesses the righteous with His favor.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fools" here is often 'evil or kesil, referring to someone who is not merely lacking intelligence, but is morally perverse, obstinate, and resists wisdom and instruction. The phrase "make a mock at sin" comes from the Hebrew yaliṣ, meaning to scoff, deride, or treat with contempt. This paints a picture of someone who finds amusement or trivializes what God considers a serious offense. Conversely, "favour" is ratson, which implies divine pleasure, goodwill, and acceptance, often leading to tangible blessings and a sense of well-being.

Practical Application

This proverb challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward sin. Do we take sin seriously, recognizing its destructive power and offense against a holy God? Or do we, like the fools, make light of it, rationalize it, or even find humor in it? The path of wisdom calls for a sober assessment of sin and a sincere pursuit of righteousness. Living righteously, even when it seems unpopular or difficult, leads to God's favor and blessing. This divine approval is far more valuable than any fleeting pleasure or worldly acceptance gained by trivializing sin. It reminds us that while the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 10:23

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

  • Proverbs 26:18

    ¶ As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

  • Proverbs 26:19

    So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

  • Romans 14:17

    For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

  • Romans 14:18

    For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

  • Proverbs 30:20

    Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

  • Proverbs 13:15

    ¶ Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.

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