Proverbs 14:9
ESV
Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
NIV
Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
NASB
Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is goodwill.
CSB
Fools mock at making reparation, but there is goodwill among the upright.
NLT
Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
KJV
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
NKJV
Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.
What does Proverbs 14:9 mean?
Those who reject God (Psalm 14:1) and godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) think it is laughable to seek forgiveness for sin. In most cases, this is because they are indifferent. Perhaps the guilt offering mocks them too; God would not accept it if they offered it with a light attitude (1 Timothy 4:2; Psalm 51:17). Fools call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).Making light of sin insults the Savior, who paid the ultimate price to redeem sinners. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3, "Christ died for our sins." The apostle Peter points out that the price of our redemption was the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19). The righteous take a far different attitude toward sin; they abhor their sin and humbly seek God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9). As a result, they find acceptance with God (Hebrews 4:14–16). Like the prodigal's father, God welcomes every repentant sinner with open arms, and rejoicing in heaven takes place as a result (Luke 15:7, 20).
