Parallel Verses
Amplified
Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin],
But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.
New American Standard Bible
And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.
King James Version
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Holman Bible
so wisdom is for a man of understanding.
International Standard Version
Just as the fool considers wickedness his joy, so is wisdom to the discerning man.
A Conservative Version
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief, and [so is] wisdom to a man of understanding.
American Standard Version
It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness; And'so is wisdom to a man of understanding.
Bible in Basic English
It is sport to the foolish man to do evil, but the man of good sense takes delight in wisdom.
Darby Translation
It is as sport to a foolish man to do wickedness; but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Julia Smith Translation
As laughter to the foolish one, to do mischief: and wisdom is to the man of understanding.
King James 2000
It is as sport to a fool to do wrong: but a man of understanding has wisdom.
Lexham Expanded Bible
[It is] like a sport for a fool to do wrong, wisdom for a person of understanding.
Modern King James verseion
To work out evil devices is as laughter to a fool; so wisdom is to a man of understanding.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
A fool doth wickedly and maketh but a sport of it; nevertheless it is wisdom for a man to beware of such.
NET Bible
Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.
New Heart English Bible
It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
The Emphasized Bible
It is, mere sport to a stupid man, to commit lewdness, but, wisdom, pertaineth to a man of understanding.
Webster
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
World English Bible
It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
Youngs Literal Translation
To execute inventions is as play to a fool, And wisdom to a man of understanding.
Topics
Interlinear
Word Count of 20 Translations in Proverbs 10:23
Verse Info
Context Readings
Proverbs Concerning The Mouth
22
The blessing of the Lord brings [true] riches,
And He adds no sorrow to it [for it comes as a blessing from God].
Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin],
But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.
What the wicked fears will come upon him,
But the desire of the righteous [for the blessings of God] will be granted.
Names
Cross References
Proverbs 15:21
Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense,
But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight].
Proverbs 2:14
Who find joy in doing evil
And delight in the perversity of evil,
Proverbs 14:9
Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools],
But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God.
Proverbs 26:18-19
Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows, and death,
Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice, young man, in your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant in the days of your young manhood. And walk in the ways of your heart and in the desires of your eyes, but know that God will bring you into judgment for all these things.