King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Fine speech is unbecoming to a boor, and even less lying lips to a leader.
Berean Standard Bible:
Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
American Standard Version:
Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Excellent{H3499} speech{H8193} becometh{H5000} not a fool{H5036}: much less do lying{H8267} lips{H8193} a prince{H5081}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 29:12
- ¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.
Psalms 101:3
- I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me.
Psalms 101:5
- Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Matthew 7:5
- Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
2 Samuel 23:3
- The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men [must be] just, ruling in the fear of God.
Proverbs 26:7
- The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.
Job 34:12
- Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 17:7
Proverbs 17:7 is a verse that speaks to the incongruity of inappropriate behavior or speech with one's social position or character. The verse is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, which includes the book of Proverbs, and is meant to guide personal conduct and decision-making. In the historical context, the sayings in Proverbs reflect the collective wisdom of the ancient Israelites and were likely compiled during the period of the monarchy, with some material possibly dating back to the time of Solomon.
The theme of Proverbs 17:7 is the stark contrast between wisdom and folly, and the expectation that a person's speech should reflect their character. The verse suggests that it is out of place and unexpected for a fool—a person known for poor judgment and lacking wisdom—to speak with eloquence or excellence. Such speech does not suit them, as it is not reflective of their true nature.
Moreover, the verse intensifies its message by stating that it is even less fitting for a person in a position of authority, such as a prince, to engage in lying. Princes, as leaders and representatives of their people, are expected to uphold truth and justice. Lying lips on a prince are particularly egregious because they undermine the prince's integrity, the trust placed in them by the people, and the stability of their rule. The verse underscores the principle that leadership carries a responsibility to be truthful and that dishonesty is especially destructive when it comes from those in power.
In summary, Proverbs 17:7 emphasizes the importance of congruence between one's speech and one's character or social role, with a particular emphasis on the expectations of truthfulness from those in leadership positions. It serves as a moral exhortation for all, but especially for leaders, to speak truthfully and to recognize that dishonesty is not only inappropriate but also detrimental to their leadership.
*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: H3499
There are 95 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יֶתֶר
Transliteration: yether
Pronunciation: yeh'-ther
Description: from יָתַר; properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope (as hanging free); [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. - 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: H5000
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָאוֶה
Transliteration: nâʼveh
Pronunciation: naw-veh'
Description: from נָאָה or נָוֶה; suitable, or beautiful; becometh, comely, seemly. - Strong's Number: H5036
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָבָל
Transliteration: nâbâl
Pronunciation: naw-bawl'
Description: from נָבֵל; stupid; wicked (especially impious); fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person. - Strong's Number: H8267
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁקֶר
Transliteration: sheqer
Pronunciation: sheh'-ker
Description: from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. - Strong's Number: H5081
There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָדִיב
Transliteration: nâdîyb
Pronunciation: naw-deeb'
Description: from נָדַב; properly, voluntary, i.e. generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant); free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted).