What Do You Take Pleasure In? Part Two (Proverbs 10:23)
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Proverbs 10:23
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
‘What do you take pleasure in?’
Yesterday, in Proverbs 18:2, we saw that “a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Today, Proverbs 10:23 shows us the other side: “Wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”
Fools laugh at sin. The wise find joy in what’s right. That’s the contrast. The fool sees rebellion as entertainment – like disobedience is just a game. But the wise? They don’t delight in their own opinions or desires – they take joy in the ways of their Father.
If that’s at all confusing, here’s a picture that helps me: think of a dog. Dogs love their masters. They don’t just follow commands because they have to – they do it because it makes their master happy.
They’re hardwired for loyalty. And even when they mess up, they come back eager to obey.
Sure, there are exceptions – not my dogs, of course – but in general, a good dog doesn’t live for its own pleasure. It lives to bring joy to the one who cares for it.
And in the same way, wisdom isn’t just about rules – it’s about relationship. The wise take pleasure in wisdom because they love the One who gives it.
That’s the shift this verse invites us into.
From laughing at what grieves God… to delighting in what brings Him joy.
From living for ourselves… to living to please our Master.
So here’s the question again:
What do you take pleasure in?
Is there anywhere in your life where you’re laughing at what you should be grieving?
Is what is pleasing to God pleasing to you?
Let’s pray.
