Proverbs 14:7

Translation
King James Version
¶ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
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KJV (with Strong's)
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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Keep clear of a fool, for you won't hear a sensible word from him.
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Berean Standard Bible
Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
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American Standard Version
Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
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World English Bible Messianic
Stay away from a foolish man, for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Depart from the foolish man, when thou perceiuest not in him the lippes of knowledge.
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Young's Literal Translation
Go from before a foolish man, Or thou hast not known the lips of knowledge.
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See also
Proverbs 13:20Proverbs 9:6Ephesians 5:111 Corinthians 5:11Proverbs 19:27
In the KJVVerse 16,780 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 14:7 offers profound counsel on the critical importance of discerning companionship and the wisdom of withdrawing from associations that lack intellectual and spiritual substance. It admonishes the wise to recognize when a person's speech consistently reveals an absence of true understanding or a resistance to knowledge, thereby signaling the need for immediate disengagement to preserve one's own integrity and spiritual well-being. This verse underscores the Proverbial emphasis on the transformative power of one's relationships and the necessity of choosing influences that foster wisdom and righteousness.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 14 is situated within the "Solomonic collections" (Proverbs 10-22:16), a section characterized by its concise, two-line aphorisms that often present a sharp contrast between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse fits seamlessly into this literary pattern by offering a direct, imperative instruction regarding social discernment. It builds upon the broader Proverbial theme that one's associations profoundly impact one's character and destiny, as seen in the call to walk with the wise to become wise. The immediate verses in Proverbs 14 continue to explore the outcomes of wisdom versus folly, making this verse a specific application of the general principle of avoiding negative influences and seeking beneficial ones. The structure of the book itself, moving from longer discourses to pithy sayings, emphasizes the practical, applicable nature of this wisdom.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite society, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical skill for living a successful and God-honoring life, deeply intertwined with moral character and obedience to Yahweh. Oral tradition and communal interaction were primary modes of knowledge transmission, making the quality of one's speech and the discernment of others' words paramount. The "foolish man" (Hebrew: kᵉçîyl) in Proverbs is not simply unintelligent but is often depicted as morally perverse, arrogant, and resistant to instruction or correction. Such individuals were considered dangerous to the community's moral fabric, capable of leading others astray or corrupting their integrity. Therefore, the advice to "go from the presence" was a practical and necessary measure for self-preservation and for maintaining one's moral and spiritual integrity within a communal setting where reputations and influences were highly intertwined.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights Discerning Companionship, urging the reader to actively evaluate the character of those they associate with, particularly through their speech. Secondly, it elaborates on The Nature of Foolishness, portraying it not merely as ignorance but as a profound lack of "lips of knowledge," signifying a resistance to truth and sound understanding that manifests in unproductive or harmful discourse. Thirdly, the verse implicitly champions The Value of Wise Counsel, suggesting that by avoiding the foolish, one creates space for interactions that lead to growth and insight, aligning with the broader call to seek wisdom and understanding (e.g., Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing). Finally, it emphasizes Spiritual and Intellectual Self-Preservation, advising a proactive withdrawal from influences that could corrupt or hinder one's pursuit of righteousness and knowledge, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man Avoids the Counsel of the Ungodly).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Go (Hebrew, yâlak', H3212): This primitive root signifies "to walk" or "to go," often implying a journey or a course of action. In this imperative context, it conveys an urgent and decisive command to physically or relationally depart. It's not a suggestion but a directive for proactive disengagement, emphasizing the necessity of removing oneself from a detrimental influence.
  • Foolish (Hebrew, kᵉçîyl', H3684): Derived from a root meaning "fat" or "stupid," this term describes more than a simple lack of intelligence. The kᵉçîyl is a morally and spiritually obtuse individual, characterized by obstinacy, arrogance, and a deep-seated resistance to correction or wisdom. Their "folly" is a chosen disposition that manifests in their actions and, critically for this verse, their speech.
  • Perceivest (Hebrew, yâdaʻ', H3045): This verb means "to know" or "to discern," often implying an experiential or intimate knowledge gained through observation and understanding. Here, it calls for acute discernment—the ability to recognize the absence of true wisdom or understanding in a person's words, not merely through superficial listening, but through a deeper perception of their character as revealed by their "lips."
  • Knowledge (Hebrew, daʻath', H1847): Derived from yâdaʻ, this noun refers to understanding, discernment, and insight, often implying practical wisdom that leads to right action. "Lips of knowledge" (Hebrew: sâphâh_ _daʻath) signifies speech that is wise, insightful, founded on truth, and capable of imparting understanding. When this quality is absent, it indicates a person whose words are empty, misleading, or devoid of beneficial wisdom, revealing a fundamental lack of spiritual and intellectual substance.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Go from the presence of a foolish man,": This is a direct, imperative command to separate oneself from individuals characterized by folly. The phrase "from the presence" (Hebrew: neged) suggests a physical or relational withdrawal, indicating that proximity to such a person is detrimental. It's a proactive measure to avoid being influenced, corrupted, or simply wasting time and energy on those who offer no genuine wisdom or edification.
  • "when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.": This clause provides the specific condition or criterion for withdrawal. The "lips of knowledge" (Hebrew: sâphâh_ _daʻath) represent speech that is wise, insightful, and grounded in truth. When one discerns that a person's words consistently lack this quality—that their discourse is empty, foolish, resistant to sound instruction, or even actively harmful—it is the clear signal to depart. This emphasizes discernment as a prerequisite for wise action, calling the reader to be perceptive and not merely reactive.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message with clarity and force. The Imperative Mood is strikingly evident in the opening command, "Go," which lends urgency and authority to the instruction, making it a non-negotiable principle for the wise. Contrast is central, implicitly juxtaposing the "foolish man" and his lack of "lips of knowledge" with the wise individual who possesses and values such speech. This highlights the stark difference between the paths of wisdom and folly, urging the reader to choose the former. Furthermore, Metonymy is skillfully used in the phrase "lips of knowledge," where "lips" stand for the entire act of speaking or the content of one's words. This emphasizes that a person's speech is a direct and telling revelation of their inner character, understanding, and spiritual state.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 14:7 is deeply rooted in the biblical emphasis on the transformative power of companionship and the necessity of discerning between good and evil influences. Theologically, it underscores God's call for His people to pursue wisdom and righteousness, recognizing that associations can either aid or hinder this pursuit. It reflects the broader biblical principle of separation from ungodliness, not out of elitism, but out of a desire to protect one's spiritual purity and walk in the ways of the Lord. The wisdom tradition consistently teaches that true knowledge and understanding are gifts from God, and those who reject them become "fools" whose words betray their spiritual emptiness. Therefore, withdrawing from such individuals is an act of obedience to divine wisdom, safeguarding oneself from the corrupting effects of ungodly counsel and unproductive discourse, ensuring that one's path remains aligned with God's righteous standards.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

In a world saturated with information and constant communication, Proverbs 14:7 is more relevant than ever, urging us to exercise profound discernment in our relationships and the content we consume. It challenges us to actively evaluate the quality of the conversations we engage in, the advice we receive, and the media we absorb. Are our social circles, online interactions, and chosen entertainment sources truly enriching, or do they promote negativity, ignorance, or a resistance to truth? This proverb calls us to a proactive spiritual and intellectual self-preservation, recognizing that our minds and spirits are profoundly shaped by what we allow into our "presence." It encourages us to cultivate a hunger for genuine knowledge and wisdom, seeking out those whose words build up, challenge constructively, and point towards truth, while prudently distancing ourselves from those whose discourse is consistently empty, foolish, or destructive. This discernment is not about judgment but about stewardship of our most precious resources: our time, our minds, and our spiritual well-being.

Questions for Reflection

  • How do I discern "lips of knowledge" in the people I interact with daily, and what does this look like in practical terms?
  • What specific "foolish" influences, whether in my personal relationships, social media feeds, or entertainment choices, do I need to prayerfully consider distancing myself from to protect my spiritual and mental health?
  • How can I personally cultivate "lips of knowledge" so that my own words might be a source of wisdom, edification, and truth for others, reflecting God's character?
  • What is the spiritual cost of ignoring this proverb and consistently engaging with those who lack "lips of knowledge," and how might this manifest in my life?

FAQ

What defines a "foolish man" in Proverbs?

Answer: In Proverbs, a "foolish man" (Hebrew: kᵉçîyl) is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but rather a person who is morally and spiritually deficient, resistant to instruction, and often arrogant in their ignorance. They are characterized by a stubborn refusal to learn from wisdom, a tendency towards self-destructive behavior, and speech that is empty, misleading, or devoid of beneficial insight. Their folly is a chosen path, not merely an intellectual shortcoming, often leading to negative consequences for themselves and those around them, as highlighted in verses like Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge.

Does "go from the presence" mean complete isolation from all who are not wise?

Answer: "Go from the presence" advises a strategic withdrawal, not necessarily complete isolation from all non-believers or those who are not yet wise. It primarily means to disengage from interactions or relationships that are consistently unproductive, spiritually draining, or morally corrupting because they lack "lips of knowledge"—meaningful, truthful, and wise discourse. The Bible calls believers to be in the world but not of the world (e.g., John 17:15-16 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples), engaging with others for the purpose of witness and good, but always with discernment to protect one's own spiritual integrity and avoid being led astray by foolishness or evil influences, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals).

How can I apply this proverb in an age of constant digital interaction?

Answer: In the digital age, applying Proverbs 14:7 means exercising discernment over our online presence and consumption. This includes unfollowing social media accounts that consistently spread misinformation, negativity, or foolishness; disengaging from online arguments that are unproductive and devoid of genuine knowledge; and curating our digital spaces to prioritize content and interactions that are edifying, truthful, and wise. It encourages us to be intentional about what we allow into our minds and spirits through screens, recognizing that digital "presence" can be just as influential as physical presence and requires the same level of spiritual and intellectual guarding.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 14:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the source of all true knowledge. While the proverb instructs us to withdraw from those who lack "lips of knowledge," Jesus, though encountering profound human foolishness and resistance to truth, perfectly demonstrated how to interact with it. He spoke with unparalleled authority and grace, His "lips" always imparting life-giving knowledge (e.g., John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life). He is the "wisdom of God" (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God), and in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom). For the believer, the ultimate "knowledge" is the knowledge of Christ Himself (Philippians 3:8 - The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ), which transforms our own "lips" to speak wisdom. Furthermore, Jesus's encounters with those who rejected His truth, such as the Pharisees, illustrate the principle of discerning when further discourse is fruitless (e.g., Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees). He calls His followers to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16 - Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves), empowering us through His Spirit to discern folly and to protect our hearts and minds by aligning ourselves with Him, the source of all true wisdom and the perfect example of how to live in a fallen world.

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Commentary on Proverbs 14 verse 7

7 ¶ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

See here, 1. How we may discern a fool and discover him, a wicked man, for he is a foolish man. If we perceive not in him the lips of knowledge, if we find there is no relish or savour of piety in his discourse, that his communication is all corrupt and corrupting, and nothing in it good and to the use of edifying, we may conclude the treasure is bad. 2. How we must decline such a one and depart from him: Go from his presence, for thou perceivest there is no good to be gotten by his company, but danger of getting hurt by it. Sometimes the only way we have of reproving wicked discourse and witnessing against it is by leaving the company and going out of the hearing of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 7. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
Go against a foolish man, etc. Therefore the mocker does not find the wisdom he seeks because even if you openly proceed by disputing against his foolishness, he does not know how to understand what you say: like Arius, who contended that the word "consubstantiality" between the Father and the Son could nowhere be found in the Scriptures, although it was clearly objected to him, "I and the Father are one"; and "the Word was God," etc. Therefore, the doctrine of the prudent is easy because the lips of prudence with wisdom, that is, because whatever lips are governed by the moderation of prudence, they only delight in speaking and hearing wisdom, and they strive to devote themselves to its meditation with effort.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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