This verse teaches that cultivating foolish plans brings sin and that the person who scoffs at truth destroys harmony among mankind.
“The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men” (v.9). In this proverb, the author indicates that foolishness is not merely a passive mistake; it is something that can be deliberately orchestrated. When one sets their mind to devising that which is empty, destructive, or careless, it separates them from the path God has designed. Like other comparisons found in Proverbs, such choices steer a person away from true wisdom and toward harmful consequences. This proverb also reveals how devising folly creates a break in one’s relationship with the community, since folly often exploits others rather than serving them.
Additionally, the proverb highlights that “the scoffer is an abomination to men” (v.9). A scoffer is someone who mocks or ridicules the truth, shutting their ears to correction. Scripture frequently notes how a scoffer reacts negatively toward reproof or wisdom, whether from a friend or from the broader community (Proverbs 9:7-8). Rather than receiving instruction that might lead to personal growth, the scoffer remains firmly in pride, content with ridiculing what is good and beneficial. This hardened attitude does not merely injure the scoffer; it also disrupts unity and trust within a neighborhood or fellowship of believers, since they “delight in scoffing” rather than in cooperation or peace.
Across Proverbs, we see a contrast between the path of wisdom and the way of folly. Wisdom yields life, blessing, and flourishing relationships, while folly and scoffing lead to disharmony, isolation, and alienation from truth. In God’s design, we are free to choose which way we will heed. Those who see the danger in the devising of folly can instead choose the constructive, life-giving path of wisdom that enriches their own lives as well as those around them.
When we craft plans to do wrong and mock those who uphold good, we sever ourselves from wisdom’s promise and create fresh scars of distrust and separation within the community.
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Proverbs 24:9 meaning
“The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men” (v.9). In this proverb, the author indicates that foolishness is not merely a passive mistake; it is something that can be deliberately orchestrated. When one sets their mind to devising that which is empty, destructive, or careless, it separates them from the path God has designed. Like other comparisons found in Proverbs, such choices steer a person away from true wisdom and toward harmful consequences. This proverb also reveals how devising folly creates a break in one’s relationship with the community, since folly often exploits others rather than serving them.
Additionally, the proverb highlights that “the scoffer is an abomination to men” (v.9). A scoffer is someone who mocks or ridicules the truth, shutting their ears to correction. Scripture frequently notes how a scoffer reacts negatively toward reproof or wisdom, whether from a friend or from the broader community (Proverbs 9:7-8). Rather than receiving instruction that might lead to personal growth, the scoffer remains firmly in pride, content with ridiculing what is good and beneficial. This hardened attitude does not merely injure the scoffer; it also disrupts unity and trust within a neighborhood or fellowship of believers, since they “delight in scoffing” rather than in cooperation or peace.
Across Proverbs, we see a contrast between the path of wisdom and the way of folly. Wisdom yields life, blessing, and flourishing relationships, while folly and scoffing lead to disharmony, isolation, and alienation from truth. In God’s design, we are free to choose which way we will heed. Those who see the danger in the devising of folly can instead choose the constructive, life-giving path of wisdom that enriches their own lives as well as those around them.
When we craft plans to do wrong and mock those who uphold good, we sever ourselves from wisdom’s promise and create fresh scars of distrust and separation within the community.