Proverbs 10:23

Carrying out a wicked scheme ¹  is enjoyable ²  to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment. ³ 

A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise.

An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.

It is sport to the foolish man to do evil, but the man of good sense takes delight in wisdom.

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

To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

Carrying out a wicked scheme ¹  is enjoyable ²  to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment. ³ 

¹ tn Heb “doing a plan.” The noun זִמָּה (zimmah, “plan”) is often used pejoratively of a scheme to do wickedness. It is used elsewhere for planning lewdness, murder, incest, adultery, idolatry, and licentiousness. Any planned gross impropriety gives the fool pleasure. The verb עָשָׂה (’asah, “to do”) here means “to carry out (a plan)” (BDB 794 s.v.).

² tn Heb “like sport” (so NASB, NRSV). The noun שְׂחוֹק (sÿkhoq, “sport”) is used elsewhere to refer to what is exhilarating and pleasurable (BDB 966 s.v.). As W. G. Plaut says, it is like child’s play (Proverbs, 132). For the fool evil brings such enjoyment; for the discerning wisdom does.

³ tn Heb “a man of discernment.”