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What does Proverbs 10:23 mean?

Fools think doing wrong is fun, but people with understanding find joy in doing what’s right. Proverbs 10:23 - Modern Text Bible

(This contrasts the attitude of foolish people, who enjoy bad behavior, with wise people, who actually enjoy living well.)

Some people find excitement in doing wrong, while others find joy in wisdom. The Hebrew word for mischief here is zimmah, which means not just trouble but calculated, sneaky wrongdoing. This proverb calls out the thrill some get from breaking rules or stirring up chaos, suggesting it's a shallow kind of fun. In contrast, wise people find satisfaction in learning and living well. This pushes back on the idea that fun always means pushing boundaries or ignoring consequences. In a world that often celebrates rebels or pranksters, this verse asks: what kind of joy lasts? If you've ever felt the rush of getting away with something, only to feel empty afterward, you know the difference. Wisdom isn't boring—it's a different kind of adventure, one that leaves you with more, not less. It invites you to look for satisfaction in things that build you up, not just in the next risky thrill.