King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Keep clear of a fool, for you won't hear a sensible word from him.
Berean Standard Bible:
Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
American Standard Version:
Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Go{H3212} from the presence{H5048} of a foolish{H3684} man{H376}, when thou perceivest{H3045} not in him the lips{H8193} of knowledge{H1847}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 13:20
- ¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Proverbs 9:6
- Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
Ephesians 5:11
- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].
1 Corinthians 5:11
- But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Proverbs 19:27
- ¶ Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 14:7
Proverbs 14:7, "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge," is a piece of wisdom literature from the Hebrew Bible, likely composed during the Iron Age (10th to 5th centuries BCE). This period was characterized by the development of Israelite wisdom traditions, which were heavily influenced by the broader ancient Near Eastern milieu, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures.
The verse itself encapsulates the theme of discernment, a recurrent topic in the book of Proverbs. It advises the reader to distance themselves from individuals who lack wisdom and understanding. The "foolish man" in this context is one who does not exhibit knowledge through his speech, which in ancient times was a key indicator of a person's character and intellect. The exhortation to "go from the presence" of such a person underscores the value placed on associating with the wise and the potential negative influence of the foolish.
Historically, the societies of the ancient Near East, including Israel, placed a high premium on wisdom and the ability to navigate social and moral complexities. The verse reflects the belief that proximity to wisdom and folly could shape one's own behavior and destiny. In a culture where oral communication was the primary mode of transmitting knowledge and values, the lips—or speech—of an individual were seen as a reliable measure of their inner character and wisdom.
In summary, Proverbs 14:7 emphasizes the importance of choosing one's company wisely, suggesting that association with the foolish can hinder personal growth and perhaps lead one astray. It reflects the ancient wisdom tradition's focus on practical living and ethical conduct, encouraging individuals to seek out knowledgeable and wise companions to foster their own development and maintain their moral integrity.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3212
There are 938 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָלַךְ
Transliteration: yâlak
Pronunciation: yaw-lak'
Description: a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. - Strong's Number: H5048
There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נֶגֶד
Transliteration: neged
Pronunciation: neh'-ghed
Description: from נָגַד; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before; about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. - Strong's Number: H3684
There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּסִיל
Transliteration: kᵉçîyl
Pronunciation: kes-eel'
Description: from כָּסַל; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly; fool(-ish). - Strong's Number: H376
There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִישׁ
Transliteration: ʼîysh
Pronunciation: eesh
Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה. - Strong's Number: H3045
There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָדַע
Transliteration: yâdaʻ
Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. - Strong's Number: H8193
There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂפָה
Transliteration: sâphâh
Pronunciation: saw-faw'
Description: or (in dual and plural) שֶׂפֶת; probably from סָפָה or שָׁפָה through the idea of termination (compare סוֹף); the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.); band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. - Strong's Number: H1847
There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דַּעַת
Transliteration: daʻath
Pronunciation: dah'-ath
Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly).