Proverbs 24:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

NIV: The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker.

NASB: The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to humanity.

CSB: A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to people.

NLT: The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker.

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

NKJV: The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

The Hebrew word zimmat' here refers to "devising:" when someone invents or plots. In this context, it means those who scheme about evil (Proverbs 24:8). "Folly" is often mentioned in the book of Proverbs as a state of rejecting or ignoring God's wisdom (Proverbs 5:23; 19:3; 27:22) and is what defines the "fool." The prior verse pointed out that those who produce evil plots suffer a negative reputation: others will openly call them "schemers" (Proverbs 24:8). The statement in this verse completes the thought. Planning immorality, plotting to do evil, inventing ways to sin, or imagining wicked actions are all sins in and of themselves. This wisdom foreshadows Jesus' teaching that sin begins in the heart and mind (Matthew 5:21–22). Even if no actions are taken, the schemes and fantasies are already offensive to God (Matthew 5:27–28). Some believe thoughts are not sinful unless they are acted on, but Scripture disagrees.

Similarly, "scoffers" are those who mock or laugh—they "sneer" at wisdom instead of accepting it (Proverbs 1:22; 9:12; 14:6; 19:28). "Abomination" comes from a term meaning something "disgusting" or "repulsive" (Proverbs 6:16; 15:9; 21:27). Not only are those who plan evil offensive to God, but other men also detest them. The prior verse also mentioned this idea, noting that evil schemers will be labeled and condemned by others (Proverbs 24:8). Jude 1:18–19 predicts that this attitude will become common as the world continues to drift away from God.

Proverbs 24:1–12 exhorts Solomon's son, or student, not to be jealous of immoral people or desire their friendship. Solomon contrasts godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) with foolishness and calls upon his son to rescue those who are unjustly oppressed. Failing to do so, under the all-seeing eyes of the Lord, cannot be excused. This continues a series of wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21).

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.