Proverbs 14:9

sin Rather, guilt, R.V. If this rendering be adopted, the Heb. construction (a sing. verb with a plur. noun, lit. fools, he maketh &c.) will serve to individualise (comp. Proverbs 3:18), and the contrast will be between the noisy assembly of fools, each one turning into jest and ridicule the guilt he has incurred, and the "favour" (or, good will, R.V.) of God and man that rests upon the righteous. We may, however, understand the word guiltto be the subject of the sentence, and then take it in either of two senses: (a) guiltmakes a mock of fools, laughing to scorn their anguish and deprecation when it overtakes them (comp. Proverbs 1:26); or (b) a guilt-offeringmocks the fool, who offers it with the vain idea that it will take the place of amendment of life, for only on the upright does God's favour rest. Comp. Isaiah 1:11-20.