Proverbs 10:23 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021

Doing wrong is like sport to a fool, but wise conduct is pleasure to a person of understanding.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

It is as sport to a [self-confident] fool to do wickedness, but to have skillful and godly Wisdom is pleasure and relaxation to a man of understanding.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Common English Bible

Fools enjoy vile deeds, but those with understanding take pleasure in wisdom.

Catholic Public Domain Version

The foolish work wickedness as if in jest. But wisdom is prudence to a man.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

A fool worketh mischief as it were for sport: but wisdom is prudence to a man.

Proverbs 10:23 Cross References

Proverbs 14:9

Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy God’s favor.

Proverbs 15:21

Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding walks straight ahead.

Proverbs 16:21

The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

Proverbs 2:14

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

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.