King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Don't speak in the ears of a fool, for he will only despise the common sense in your words.
Berean Standard Bible:
Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
American Standard Version:
Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Speak{H1696} not in the ears{H241} of a fool{H3684}: for he will despise{H936} the wisdom{H7922} of thy words{H4405}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 9:7
- He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
Proverbs 9:8
- Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Matthew 7:6
- Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Proverbs 26:4
- ¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Proverbs 26:5
- Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Proverbs 1:7
- ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.
John 10:20
- And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
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Commentary for Proverbs 23:9
Proverbs 23:9, "Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words," is part of the larger collection of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. This verse reflects a theme common in Proverbs, which is the practical approach to wise living and the importance of discernment in communication.
In its historical context, the verse likely refers to the ancient Near Eastern culture where wisdom was highly valued and often communicated through proverbs and pithy sayings. The warning against speaking wisdom into the ears of a fool suggests that such efforts are futile and potentially counterproductive. A "fool" in the context of Proverbs is not merely someone who lacks intelligence but rather someone who is morally deficient, rejects correction, and lacks reverence for God.
The theme of the verse emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience. It suggests that wisdom should be shared with those who are receptive and capable of appreciating its value. The fool, characterized by arrogance and a closed mind, will not recognize the value of wise counsel and may even react with hostility or ridicule. Thus, the verse advises against expending effort trying to impart wisdom where it is unlikely to be received, urging the wise to use discretion in choosing when and to whom they speak their wisdom.
In a broader sense, this proverb speaks to the idea that not all people are ready or willing to receive guidance, and it is often more effective to focus one's energies on those who are open to growth and learning. This principle can be applied to various interpersonal relationships and communication strategies, both in ancient times and in contemporary society.
*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: H1696
There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָבַר
Transliteration: dâbar
Pronunciation: daw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. - Strong's Number: H241
There are 652 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֹזֶן
Transliteration: ʼôzen
Pronunciation: o'-zen
Description: from אָזַן; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man); [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. - 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: H936
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בּוּז
Transliteration: bûwz
Pronunciation: booz
Description: a primitive root; to disrespect; contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. - Strong's Number: H7922
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׂכֶל
Transliteration: sekel
Pronunciation: seh'-kel
Description: or שֵׂכֶל; from שָׂכַל; intelligence; by implication, success; discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. - Strong's Number: H4405
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִלָּה
Transliteration: millâh
Pronunciation: mil-law'
Description: from מָלַל (plural masculine as if from מִלֶּה; a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic; [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word.