Proverbs 23:9

KJV

¶ Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} not in the ears {H241} of a fool {H3684}: for he will despise {H936} the wisdom {H7922} of thy words {H4405}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:9 issues a profound warning against the futility of offering wise counsel or valuable instruction to those who are inherently resistant to truth. It underscores the importance of discernment in communication, advising against expending precious words on individuals whose character is marked by an active contempt for wisdom, as such efforts will inevitably be met with disdain and wasted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:9 is situated within the collection known as the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which forms a distinct section of the book of Proverbs. This section, like much of the book, is characterized by its didactic nature, offering practical and moral instructions for living a life aligned with divine wisdom. The verse immediately precedes further warnings about the dangers of associating with the wicked and the importance of parental instruction, reinforcing the theme of discernment in relationships and the transmission of truth. Throughout Proverbs, a central literary device is the stark **contrast** between the "wise" and the "fool," highlighting the divergent paths and consequences of each. This verse directly contributes to that overarching theme by defining a key characteristic of the fool: their inherent rejection of wisdom, making communication with them unproductive. The wisdom literature frequently emphasizes the value of words and the need for careful speech, a principle vividly illustrated here.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued and often transmitted orally, from elders and sages to younger generations. The "wise" were respected figures, and their teachings were considered vital for societal well-being and individual flourishing. The concept of the "fool" in this context is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but a person characterized by a moral and spiritual deficiency, often stubborn, arrogant, and resistant to correction. This resistance was seen as a deliberate choice, a rejection of the path of righteousness. The cultural expectation was that instruction, particularly from a sage or parent, would be received with respect and humility. Proverbs 23:9 speaks to the frustration and futility experienced when this cultural norm of receptivity was violated by those who actively scorned wisdom, highlighting the importance of discerning one's audience in a society where oral tradition and instruction were paramount.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Discretion in Speech**, urging the wise not to indiscriminately share valuable insights but to discern the receptivity of their audience. This echoes the principle found in [Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Cast Pearls Before Swine"), where Jesus warns against casting what is holy before those who will trample it. Secondly, it profoundly defines **The Nature of Folly**, portraying the "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) not as merely ignorant, but as one who actively "despises" wisdom, demonstrating an inherent moral and intellectual stubbornness. This active rejection is a recurring motif, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge"), which states that "fools despise wisdom and instruction." Thirdly, the verse subtly highlights the **Preciousness of Wisdom**, implying that wisdom is a valuable commodity not to be squandered on those who will only devalue it. Finally, it offers practical counsel on **Avoiding Futile Effort**, encouraging the wise to conserve their energy and words from interactions that will only lead to frustration and scorn, thus protecting both the speaker and the dignity of the truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From the root meaning "fat" or "stupid," this term describes a person who is not merely unintelligent but morally obtuse, stubbornly resistant to correction, and often arrogant in their own perceived understanding. The *kesil* is characterized by a willful rejection of wisdom and an active disdain for instruction, making them fundamentally unreceptive to truth.
* **despise (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** A primitive root meaning "to disrespect," "contemn," or "scorn." This word signifies a strong, active rejection and contempt. It's not a passive misunderstanding but an intentional and often arrogant dismissal of something deemed worthless or beneath one's consideration. When a fool "despises" wisdom, it implies a deliberate act of scorn.
* **wisdom (Hebrew, _sekel'_):** This term refers to intelligence, prudence, discretion, and understanding. It encompasses not just intellectual knowledge but also the practical application of that knowledge to live skillfully and righteously. In Proverbs, "wisdom" is often personified as a guide to life, rooted in the fear of the Lord. The fool's despising of *sekel* therefore represents a rejection of the very foundation of a flourishing life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak not in the ears of a fool":** This clause issues a direct prohibition, an imperative warning. The phrase "in the ears" emphasizes the act of direct communication and instruction. The command is not to engage in discourse or offer counsel to a "fool," implying that such an attempt is not only useless but potentially harmful to the speaker or the message itself. It calls for discernment regarding the audience of one's words.
* **"for he will despise the wisdom of thy words."** This clause provides the rationale for the preceding prohibition. The conjunction "for" introduces the inevitable consequence of speaking to a fool. A fool's inherent character is such that they will not merely ignore or misunderstand, but actively "despise" – scorn, disdain, and treat with contempt – the valuable "wisdom" contained within the speaker's "words." This highlights the fool's moral resistance and the futility of attempting to impart truth to an unwilling heart.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:9 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Admonition**, a direct warning or counsel against a specific action, clearly stated as "Speak not..." This is characteristic of the wisdom literature, which frequently offers practical guidance for navigating life. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, a foundational element of Proverbs, by implicitly contrasting the wise speaker with the foolish listener, and the valuable "wisdom" with the fool's "despise." This highlights the fundamental difference in their nature and receptivity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Futility** implied, as the verse suggests that any attempt to impart wisdom to a fool is an exercise in pointlessness, leading only to scorn. This serves as a practical warning to conserve one's efforts and words for those who are receptive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb speaks profoundly to the theological theme of divine wisdom and human receptivity. God's wisdom, as revealed in His word, is precious and life-giving, yet it is not universally embraced. The verse underscores that while truth is absolute, its effective communication requires discernment regarding the listener's disposition. It teaches that not all hearts are prepared to receive wisdom, and some are actively hostile to it. This principle extends beyond mere intellectual understanding to a spiritual and moral posture, where the "fool" represents a hardened heart that despises divine instruction. The proverb thus encourages a stewardship of truth, recognizing its value and guarding it from those who would profane it through scorn.

* [Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Cast Your Pearls Before Swine")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Proverbs 26:4](/proverbs/26-4 "Proverbs 26:4 - Do Not Answer a Fool According to His Folly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:9 offers timeless guidance for our interactions, urging us to cultivate discernment in our communication. It's a call to recognize that while we may possess valuable insights, spiritual truths, or practical advice, not every person is in a posture to receive them. Investing our words, time, and emotional energy into someone who is willfully closed-minded, scornful, or actively despises wisdom can be a draining and fruitless endeavor. This proverb encourages us to be wise stewards of our resources, directing our efforts towards receptive hearts and minds, whether in personal relationships, evangelism, or teaching. It also serves as a form of self-preservation, protecting us from the frustration and discouragement that inevitably arise when our sincere attempts to help or instruct are met with contempt. Ultimately, it reminds us that effective communication is a two-way street, requiring not just a willing speaker but also a receptive listener.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between someone who is genuinely ignorant but teachable, and someone who is a "fool" in the biblical sense, actively despising wisdom?**
* **In what areas of my life (e.g., family, work, ministry, social media) might I be expending energy speaking to "fools" who will only despise my words?**
* **What does this proverb teach me about the value I place on truth and wisdom, both my own and God's?**
* **How can I protect my peace and emotional well-being when encountering individuals who consistently demonstrate a contempt for wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What defines a "fool" in the book of Proverbs, and how does that differ from someone who is simply ignorant?**

Answer: In Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) is not merely someone lacking intelligence or knowledge. Instead, the term describes a person who is morally and spiritually obtuse, characterized by a stubborn resistance to correction and an active disdain for wisdom and instruction. While an ignorant person might be teachable and open to learning, the *kesil* actively "despises" wisdom, as [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge") states, "Fools despise wisdom and instruction." This is a willful, often arrogant, rejection of truth and the path of righteousness, making them inherently unreceptive to wise counsel.

**Does this verse imply that Christians should never share the Gospel or biblical truth with people who seem resistant or hostile?**

Answer: Not necessarily. This proverb emphasizes discernment, not abandonment. While it warns against wasting effort on those who are actively scornful, it does not preclude sharing truth with those who are merely skeptical or initially resistant. Jesus Himself encountered many who rejected His message ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), yet He continued to teach and offer salvation. The key is discernment: recognizing when a person's heart is so hardened that further attempts at instruction will only lead to contempt and exhaustion for the speaker, as opposed to genuine seeking or even initial skepticism that might eventually yield to truth. The principle is to be wise stewards of the message, knowing when to persist and when to withdraw, as Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the dust off their feet when a town rejected their message ([Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Shake Off the Dust")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:9, with its warning against speaking wisdom to those who despise it, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. He is the very **embodiment of divine wisdom** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), the Logos through whom all things were made ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). Yet, when He came into the world, He encountered precisely the "fools" described in Proverbs – those who, despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His authoritative teaching, actively despised His wisdom and rejected His words. The Gospels are replete with instances where Jesus' parables were designed to reveal truth to those with "ears to hear" while simultaneously concealing it from those whose hearts were hardened and unwilling to understand ([Matthew 13:10-15](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10-15 - The Purpose of Parables")). He warned His disciples not to cast their "pearls before swine" ([Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Cast Pearls Before Swine")), a direct echo of this Proverbial wisdom. Ultimately, the rejection of Christ by many of His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")) culminated in the cross, where the ultimate wisdom of God—salvation through sacrifice—was considered "foolishness" by the world ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross is Foolishness")). Thus, Proverbs 23:9 foreshadows the divine wisdom's encounter with human folly, demonstrating that even God's perfect revelation can be despised by those unwilling to receive it, yet it remains the power of God to those who believe ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?