Proverbs 15:21

Authorized King James Version

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִ֭וֶּלֶת
Folly
silliness
#2
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
is joy
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#3
לַחֲסַר
to him that is destitute
lacking; hence, without
#4
לֵ֑ב
of wisdom
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#5
וְאִ֥ישׁ
but a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
of understanding
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
#7
יְיַשֶּׁר
uprightly
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
#8
לָֽכֶת׃
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood wisdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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