Proverbs 14:7

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

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}.

Keep clear of a fool, for you won't hear a sensible word from him.

Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.

Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

Proverbs 14:7 offers a sharp piece of wisdom regarding the company we keep and the discernment we should exercise in our relationships. It advises a swift departure from those who lack wisdom and understanding in their speech.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of divine wisdom intended to guide individuals in living a righteous and prosperous life. Throughout its chapters, a recurring theme is the stark contrast between the wise and the foolish, and the profound impact of one's associations. This verse fits seamlessly into this framework, emphasizing the importance of choosing companions who contribute positively to one's spiritual and intellectual growth, rather than those who detract from it.

Key Themes

  • Discerning Companionship: The verse directly calls for prudence in selecting who we spend our time with. It's a proactive step to protect oneself from negative influences.
  • The Nature of Foolishness: A "foolish man" is characterized by a lack of "lips of knowledge." This isn't merely ignorance, but often a resistance to truth, wisdom, and sound instruction. His speech reveals an absence of understanding or a disinterest in meaningful discourse.
  • Value of Wise Counsel: By implication, the verse encourages seeking out those whose words are filled with wisdom, insight, and truth. Engaging with such individuals fosters personal growth and discernment, aligning with the broader Proverbial call to walk with the wise.
  • Self-Preservation: The act of "going from the presence" is a form of spiritual and mental self-preservation. It's about avoiding discussions that are fruitless, misleading, or potentially corrupting, and recognizing when a conversation or relationship will not yield positive results.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "foolish man" is kesil (כְּסִיל). This term often denotes more than just a lack of intelligence; it implies a person who is morally deficient, obstinate, and resistant to correction or wisdom, often characterized by arrogance and a refusal to learn. The phrase "lips of knowledge" signifies speech that is wise, insightful, and founded on truth and understanding. When one "perceives not" these qualities, it's a clear sign to withdraw, as there is no benefit to be gained from such interaction.

Practical Application

In contemporary life, this proverb resonates deeply. It encourages us to be discerning about:

  • Our Social Circles: Evaluate the quality of conversations and advice received from friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Do they build up, or tear down? Do they offer wisdom or folly?
  • Media Consumption: Apply this principle to the content we consume—news, social media, entertainment. Is it enriching, or does it promote ignorance, negativity, or foolishness?
  • Online Interactions: In the digital age, it's crucial to identify and disengage from online interactions that are unproductive, argumentative, or devoid of substance.

Ultimately, Proverbs 14:7 is a timeless reminder to prioritize interactions that foster wisdom and growth, and to prudently distance ourselves from those that lead to spiritual or intellectual stagnation. It echoes the broader biblical teaching on the importance of avoiding corrupting influences and seeking out that which is good and true.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back