Proverbs 24:9

KJV

The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men.

KJV (with Strong's)

The thought {H2154} of foolishness {H200} is sin {H2403}: and the scorner {H3887} is an abomination {H8441} to men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The evil plans of the foolish are sin, and people detest a scorner.

Berean Standard Bible

A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.

American Standard Version

The thought of foolishness is sin; And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:9 delivers a profound dual warning, asserting that the very inception of foolish thoughts constitutes sin, and that an individual characterized by a scornful attitude becomes an object of detestation among people. This verse underscores the critical importance of internal purity and the severe societal and spiritual repercussions of a cynical, unteachable disposition, positioning the heart and mind as the true battleground for righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24:9 is situated within a broader collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), often referred to as "The Sayings of the Wise." This particular section (Proverbs 24:1-22) contains various admonitions against envy of evil men, the importance of wisdom for stability and success, and calls for righteous judgment. The verse immediately precedes an exhortation to speak truth and avoid partiality in judgment (Proverbs 24:10-12), and a warning against rejoicing in an enemy's downfall (Proverbs 24:17-18). By focusing on the internal state—the "thought of foolishness"—this proverb reinforces the book's consistent teaching that true wisdom and folly originate in the heart and mind, impacting one's actions, relationships, and ultimate destiny. It serves as a foundational principle, highlighting that outward manifestations of sin are merely expressions of deeper, internal corruptions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, though uniquely grounded in the monotheistic Yahwistic faith of Israel. Wisdom literature often took the form of short, memorable sayings designed to instruct young men in righteous living and societal success. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual prowess but a practical skill for living rightly before God and man, deeply intertwined with moral and ethical conduct. The concept of "sin" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*) was understood as "missing the mark" of God's perfect standard, encompassing both overt acts and internal dispositions. A "scorner" (*lûwts*) was a recognized social archetype, often contrasted with the "wise" and the "fool." This individual was characterized by arrogance, resistance to instruction, and a mocking attitude towards truth, authority, and often, God Himself. Such a person would have been seen as a disruptive and dangerous influence within the community, undermining social cohesion and moral order.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 24:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the **internal origin of sin**, teaching that sin is not merely an outward act but begins as a corrupt thought or intention. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that the human heart is the wellspring of life, and also of moral corruption (cf. [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). Secondly, it highlights the **destructive nature of scorn and arrogance**. The "scorner" represents an individual fundamentally opposed to wisdom, correction, and humility, traits that are anathema to the pursuit of righteousness. This character is consistently condemned throughout Proverbs as one who rejects the path of life and invites divine judgment (e.g., [Proverbs 9:7-8](/proverbs/9-7 "Proverbs 9:7-8 - Do Not Correct a Scorner")). Thirdly, the verse subtly touches upon the **social consequences of moral character**. While the first clause addresses a spiritual truth (thought as sin), the second clause reveals the societal impact of a scornful disposition, leading to human abhorrence. This demonstrates that one's internal moral state has tangible, relational repercussions in the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thought (Hebrew, _zimmâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to plan" or "to devise," carries a strong connotation of intentionality, often with a negative or wicked purpose. It signifies a deliberate scheme, a malicious design, or a premeditated evil thought. In Proverbs 24:9, *zimmâh* is not merely a fleeting idea but a settled inclination or a devised intention of foolishness, underscoring the culpability of the inner disposition even before an action is taken.
* **Foolishness (Hebrew, _ʼivveleth'_):** More than mere silliness or lack of intelligence, *ʼivveleth* denotes a moral and spiritual perversity. It describes a disposition that is stubbornly resistant to wisdom, instruction, and the ways of God. This foolishness is a deliberate choice to reject divine truth and embrace a path contrary to righteousness, leading to self-destructive behavior and spiritual blindness.
* **Scorner (Hebrew, _lûwts'_):** This word describes one who mocks, ridicules, and scoffs at truth, righteousness, and often God Himself. The *lûwts* is characterized by arrogance, cynicism, and an unteachable spirit, actively disdaining correction and wisdom. They are not merely ignorant but actively hostile to the pursuit of knowledge and moral uprightness, often using their words to tear down rather than build up.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The thought of foolishness [is] sin":** This clause reveals the profound biblical truth that sin is not solely an external act but originates in the mind and heart. The "thought" (zimmâh) here implies a deliberate, premeditated wicked design or inclination towards "foolishness" (ʼivveleth), which is a moral perversity and rejection of God's wisdom. This internal disposition, even if not acted upon, is considered a transgression against God's holy standard, "missing the mark" (chaṭṭâʼâh) of His perfect will. It highlights the spiritual reality that God judges the intentions of the heart as much as the actions of the hand.
* **"and the scorner [is] an abomination to men":** This second clause describes the societal consequence of a particular character type. The "scorner" (lûwts) is an individual whose defining characteristic is a mocking, arrogant, and unteachable spirit, often directed at wisdom, righteousness, or even God. Such a person, due to their contemptuous attitude and destructive influence, becomes an "abomination" (tôwʻêbah)—something utterly detestable or disgusting—not only in the eyes of God but also among right-thinking, moral human beings (ʼâdâm). This emphasizes that while the first clause speaks to a spiritual truth, the second highlights the tangible, negative relational impact of a scornful disposition within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first, though here it introduces a related but distinct idea. The first clause, "The thought of foolishness is sin," establishes an internal, theological truth about the origin of sin. The second clause, "and the scorner is an abomination to men," then presents an external, social consequence tied to a specific character type. This juxtaposition highlights both the spiritual and practical ramifications of moral character. **Metonymy** is also present in "the thought of foolishness," where "thought" stands in for the entire internal disposition and intention of the heart. The use of strong, evocative terms like "sin" and "abomination" serves as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the severity of both internal folly and external scorn, underscoring their repugnance in the eyes of God and humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:9 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of sin's origin and the nature of unrighteousness. It anticipates New Testament teachings that emphasize the heart as the wellspring of human conduct, where evil thoughts precede and give rise to sinful actions. The verse serves as a stark reminder that true righteousness begins internally, demanding a transformation of the mind and affections. Furthermore, the condemnation of the "scorner" underscores the biblical value of humility, teachability, and reverence for truth, contrasting sharply with the pride and rebellion inherent in a mocking spirit. This wisdom principle calls believers to cultivate a heart that delights in God's wisdom and a spirit that is open to correction, rather than one that scoffs at divine instruction or human counsel.

* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - For out of the heart come evil thoughts")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man Walks Not in the Counsel of the Ungodly")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - God Gives Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:9 is a powerful call to introspection and a warning against the dangers of internal spiritual decay. It challenges us to recognize that the battle for righteousness is first and foremost fought in the mind. Our thoughts are not neutral; they are either aligned with God's truth or they are tainted by foolishness, leading inevitably to sin. This verse compels us to cultivate a discipline of guarding our hearts and minds, actively choosing to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, as exhorted by Paul in [Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Whatever Is True, Noble, Right"). Moreover, it warns against the insidious progression from foolish thoughts to a scornful attitude, which alienates us from both God and humanity. To be a "scorner" is to embody an unteachable, arrogant spirit that rejects wisdom and mocks truth, making one detestable. Therefore, we are called to embrace humility, a teachable spirit, and a genuine love for wisdom, recognizing that true favor and flourishing come from a heart that seeks God's ways, not from one that scoffs at them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I examine the "thoughts of foolishness" that arise in my own mind, and what practical steps can I take to bring them captive to Christ?**
* **In what ways might a "scorner" manifest in modern society or even within the church, and how can I ensure I do not embody such a spirit?**
* **What does it mean for a character to be "an abomination to men," and how does my conduct reflect or contradict this principle in my relationships?**

### FAQ
**What does "the thought of foolishness is sin" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that sin is not limited to outward actions but originates in the inner realm of the mind and heart. "Foolishness" (Hebrew: *ʼivveleth*) here is not mere intellectual deficiency but a moral perversity—a deliberate choice to reject God's wisdom and embrace a path contrary to righteousness. Therefore, a "thought of foolishness" (Hebrew: *zimmâh*) refers to a wicked scheme, a malicious design, or a premeditated evil intention that is inherently sinful in God's eyes, even if it never manifests in an overt act. This concept is echoed by Jesus in [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lustful Thoughts Are Adultery"), where He teaches that lustful thoughts are akin to adultery.

**Why is a "scorner" considered an "abomination to men"?**

Answer: A "scorner" (Hebrew: *lûwts*) is someone characterized by arrogance, cynicism, and a mocking attitude towards truth, wisdom, and righteousness. This individual resists correction, disdains instruction, and often uses their words to tear down others or scoff at sacred things. Such a disposition is inherently destructive to community and human relationships. People naturally recoil from those who are contemptuous, unteachable, and consistently mock what is good and true. Thus, a scorner becomes "an abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*)—something utterly detestable or disgusting—not only in God's sight but also among right-thinking, moral human beings who value order, respect, and truth. The book of [Proverbs 9:7-8](/proverbs/9-7 "Proverbs 9:7-8 - Do Not Correct a Scorner") warns against correcting a scorner because they will hate you for it, further illustrating their repugnant nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The first clause, "The thought of foolishness is sin," powerfully anticipates Christ's radical teaching on the internal nature of sin. Unlike the Old Covenant which often focused on outward acts, Jesus consistently exposed the heart as the true source of defilement, declaring that "out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false witness, slander" ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - For Out of the Heart Come Evil Thoughts")). Christ perfectly embodies the antithesis of "foolishness"; He is the very **Wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Him, there was no thought of foolishness, no wicked design, no sin whatsoever ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Tempted in Every Way, Yet Without Sin")). He perfectly fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law, both in thought and deed. Furthermore, Jesus stands in stark contrast to the "scorner." While scorners mock and reject truth, Jesus is the embodiment of truth and grace ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Though He was Himself scorned, ridiculed, and mocked by sinful men during His passion ([Matthew 27:29-31](/matthew/27-29 "Matthew 27:29-31 - Jesus Mocked by Soldiers")), He never responded in kind. Instead, He offered forgiveness and bore the sin of the world, including the sin of foolish thoughts and scornful hearts. Through His atoning sacrifice, those who were once enslaved to foolishness and prone to scorn can be given a new heart and a renewed mind ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind")), enabling them to think righteously and live humbly, no longer an abomination but children beloved by God and reconciled to humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Proverbs 29:8

¶ Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.

Proverbs 24:8

He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

Matthew 9:4

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?