“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
— Proverbs 15:21–22 (KJV)
The book of Proverbs often contrasts two paths — that of wisdom and that of folly. In these verses, Solomon draws a clear distinction between the one who delights in foolishness and the one who walks in understanding.
In verse 21, we see that “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom.” To the foolish person, sin and recklessness appear as pleasure. The absence of godly wisdom leaves them unable to discern right from wrong. They find excitement in what is harmful and satisfaction in what is temporary. Their joy is misplaced because it is rooted in self-gratification rather than truth.
However, Solomon contrasts this attitude with the wise, saying that “a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” The person of understanding finds joy not in sin but in righteousness. His steps are guided by discernment, integrity, and reverence for God. Walking uprightly doesn’t mean perfection — it means consistency in living according to God’s truth.
The wise know that true joy isn’t found in pleasure but in purpose. Folly may offer momentary laughter, but wisdom produces lasting peace. The one who walks uprightly doesn’t need to chase excitement because he lives in alignment with God’s will.
Verse 22 then builds upon this wisdom by addressing how plans succeed or fail. “Without counsel purposes are disappointed.” No matter how good our intentions, isolation often leads to error. Plans made without wise input can easily fall apart because they lack perspective. God designed us to grow and discern within community, not in solitude.
But Solomon continues, “In the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Success is strengthened through wise collaboration. The more we open our hearts to godly counsel, the more stable and effective our plans become. Seeking advice is not a sign of weakness — it is evidence of humility.
Together, these verses remind us that wisdom is not only about moral behavior but also about relational discernment — walking uprightly with God and walking wisely with others..
“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
— Proverbs 15:21–22 (KJV)
The book of Proverbs often contrasts two paths — that of wisdom and that of folly. In these verses, Solomon draws a clear distinction between the one who delights in foolishness and the one who walks in understanding.
In verse 21, we see that “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom.” To the foolish person, sin and recklessness appear as pleasure. The absence of godly wisdom leaves them unable to discern right from wrong. They find excitement in what is harmful and satisfaction in what is temporary. Their joy is misplaced because it is rooted in self-gratification rather than truth.
However, Solomon contrasts this attitude with the wise, saying that “a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” The person of understanding finds joy not in sin but in righteousness. His steps are guided by discernment, integrity, and reverence for God. Walking uprightly doesn’t mean perfection — it means consistency in living according to God’s truth.
The wise know that true joy isn’t found in pleasure but in purpose. Folly may offer momentary laughter, but wisdom produces lasting peace. The one who walks uprightly doesn’t need to chase excitement because he lives in alignment with God’s will.
Verse 22 then builds upon this wisdom by addressing how plans succeed or fail. “Without counsel purposes are disappointed.” No matter how good our intentions, isolation often leads to error. Plans made without wise input can easily fall apart because they lack perspective. God designed us to grow and discern within community, not in solitude.
But Solomon continues, “In the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Success is strengthened through wise collaboration. The more we open our hearts to godly counsel, the more stable and effective our plans become. Seeking advice is not a sign of weakness — it is evidence of humility.
Together, these verses remind us that wisdom is not only about moral behavior but also about relational discernment — walking uprightly with God and walking wisely with others..
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🔑 Key Insights
1️⃣ Foolishness blinds the heart — To those without wisdom, sin appears enjoyable because their moral vision is clouded. The absence of discernment makes destructive choices seem harmless or even entertaining. True wisdom exposes the emptiness of folly and redirects the heart toward righteousness.
2️⃣ Understanding leads to upright living — A person of understanding doesn’t just know what is right; they act upon it. Wisdom moves beyond knowledge — it becomes a way of life. Upright living is the visible fruit of an inwardly transformed mind.
3️⃣ Isolation weakens purpose — Plans conceived in pride or secrecy often crumble. God never intended His people to walk alone in decision-making. Wise counsel provides balance, correction, and insight that protect us from failure.
4️⃣ Humility invites stability — Seeking counsel requires the humility to admit that we don’t know everything. When we open ourselves to godly voices, we invite wisdom that strengthens our plans and aligns them with God’s will.
5️⃣ Godly counsel reflects divine wisdom — Surrounding ourselves with spiritually mature people is one of the ways God communicates His guidance. The “multitude of counsellors” refers not to just any voices, but to those grounded in truth, prayer, and the fear of the Lord.
🌿 Reflection
These verses remind us that wisdom is both moral and practical. It shapes how we live and how we plan. The fool celebrates sin because they lack spiritual understanding, while the wise find joy in walking uprightly before God.
In daily life, we face countless decisions — some small, others life-changing. The temptation is to rely solely on our own reasoning, but Proverbs calls us to humility. God uses the wisdom of others to refine our paths. Seeking counsel isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of obedience.
Walking uprightly and seeking wisdom require teachability — a willingness to listen and a heart ready to change. When our plans are built on pride, they fall. But when we build them with humility, prayer, and godly guidance, they stand firm.
🙏 Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of wisdom that guides and protects.
Teach me to walk uprightly and to find joy in righteousness, not in folly.
Help me to recognize the value of godly counsel and surround me with wise voices that honor You.
Keep me humble in heart and discerning in spirit, that my plans may reflect Your will.
Strengthen my steps in truth and lead me in the path of understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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