Proverbs 14:7 kjv
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
Proverbs 14:7 nkjv
Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
Proverbs 14:7 niv
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
Proverbs 14:7 esv
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
Proverbs 14:7 nlt
Stay away from fools,
for you won't find knowledge on their lips.
Proverbs 14 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 1:1 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners... | Warning against association with the ungodly/fools. |
| Prov 13:20 | Walk with the wise and become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. | Direct link between company and character/outcome. |
| Prov 1:7 | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. | Definition of the fool who lacks knowledge from the start. |
| Prov 9:7-8 | Whoever corrects a scoffer gets dishonor... Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you... | Folly's rejection of knowledge, making efforts futile. |
| Prov 23:9 | Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. | Futility of sharing wisdom with a fool. |
| Matt 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs... | Jesus' teaching on discerning who is receptive to spiritual truth. |
| 1 Cor 15:33 | Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." | New Testament affirmation of avoiding harmful influences. |
| 2 Tim 2:16 | Shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. | Direct command to avoid conversations that are unedifying. |
| Eph 5:11 | Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. | Command to separate from deeds that lack fruit or light. |
| 2 Cor 6:14-17 | Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?... Therefore "Come out from them and be separate," says the Lord. | Broader New Testament call to spiritual separation from those opposed to God. |
| Titus 3:10 | Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. | Principle of disengaging from those who reject truth or sow discord. |
| Rom 16:17-18 | I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching... keep away from them. | Apostolic instruction to distance from disruptive/deceptive individuals. |
| Prov 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools pours out folly. | Contrasting expressions of the wise and foolish. |
| Prov 18:2 | A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his own opinion. | Nature of the kesil - a rejection of true understanding. |
| Prov 26:4 | Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. | Guidance on how to deal (or not deal) with a fool. |
| Jer 9:5-6 | ...they weary themselves committing iniquity... through deceit they refuse to know me, declares the LORD. | Illustrates the moral perversity tied to not knowing God. |
| 2 Thes 3:6 | ...keep away from every brother who is idle and disorderly and not living according to the tradition... | Disengaging from disorderly or uncommitted believers if they refuse correction. |
| Prov 17:12 | Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. | Danger of encountering a fool in their obstinate perversity. |
| Prov 29:9 | If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. | futility of argumentation with a fool; no peaceful resolution or understanding. |
| Prov 12:23 | A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. | How knowledge (or lack thereof) is manifested. |
Proverbs 14 verses
Proverbs 14 7 Meaning
Proverbs 14:7 instructs the wise person to actively distance themselves from individuals defined by their folly, because such individuals offer no true wisdom, sound counsel, or spiritual insight. It serves as a directive to discern unprofitable interactions and preserve one's pursuit of truth by avoiding those who are fundamentally resistant or devoid of knowledge.
Proverbs 14 7 Context
Proverbs is part of the Bible's wisdom literature, offering practical instruction for living a righteous and God-honoring life. Chapter 14 specifically contrasts the characteristics, behaviors, and destinies of the wise and the foolish. Verses in this chapter often use antithetical parallelism, highlighting the divergent paths and outcomes of these two archetypes. This particular verse addresses the crucial practice of discerning one's companions. It posits that wise living includes recognizing unproductive or spiritually damaging relationships and making a conscious choice to withdraw from them, especially when no positive exchange or learning can occur. The cultural context implies a society where oral communication and counsel were primary modes of transferring knowledge and influence, making the "lips of knowledge" a critical identifier of someone worth engaging with.
Proverbs 14 7 Word analysis
- Go from (Hebrew:
וּלְךָ֙(u’lech), an imperative form ofהָלַךְ(halak), "to walk, go"; combined withמִנֶּ֬גֶד(mi-neged), "from before," "from the presence of"): This is a direct command for active disassociation and removal. It suggests a deliberate separation, not just passively avoiding but intentionally withdrawing from the direct sphere of influence or conversation. The implication is to preserve oneself from negative contamination. - the presence of (Hebrew:
מִנֶּ֬גֶד(mi-neged)): Literally "from before" or "from the face of." It means from their direct company, their sphere of influence, or their very person. It implies ending or preventing a close interaction. - a foolish man (Hebrew:
אִ֣ישׁ כְּסִיל(ish kesil)):אִישׁ(ish) means "man" or "person."כְּסִיל(kesil) is a key Hebrew term for "fool" in Proverbs, appearing frequently. This type of fool is not merely unlearned or unintelligent, but rather one who is morally dull, stubborn, proud, and most significantly, resistant to God's instruction and divine wisdom (Prov 1:7; 10:23; 17:12). Akesilmakes light of sin (Prov 14:9) and has no pleasure in understanding (Prov 18:2), often refusing to learn from mistakes or correction. - when thou perceivest not in him (Hebrew:
וּבַ֖ל תֵּדַ֥ע(u'val teyda), lit. "and not you know/perceive"): The verbיָדַע(yada) signifies "to know," "to understand," or "to discern." The negativeבַּל(bal) indicates a strong impossibility or futility. The phrase emphasizes the discernment that must precede the departure; the wise person recognizes the barrenness before acting. It implies a lack of spiritual or intellectual receptivity and output. - the lips of knowledge (Hebrew:
שִׂפְתֵי דָעַת(siftey da'at)):שִׂפְתֵי(siftey) means "lips of" (source of speech).דָּעַת(da'at) is "knowledge," particularly referring to insightful understanding, discernment, and often wisdom rooted in God's truth. This phrase collectively represents wise counsel, beneficial instruction, godly insight, or any words that genuinely lead to understanding and growth.
Words-group analysis
- Go from the presence of a foolish man: This entire command highlights proactive self-preservation. It is a discerning act, acknowledging that not all interactions are beneficial. To remain in the presence of a
kesilmeans exposing oneself to harmful influences, unproductive conversation, and a general lack of spiritual and practical growth. It emphasizes separating not just physically, but also in spirit and counsel. - when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge: This clause provides the justification and specific criterion for the departure. The decision to leave is not arbitrary but based on a clear discernment that no spiritual or beneficial understanding can be gained from this person's words. Their speech is barren of
da'at(knowledge rooted in divine truth). This implies that a person's speech reveals their inner character and whether engaging with them will be spiritually or practically profitable.
Proverbs 14 7 Bonus section
The Bible identifies different types of "fools." The kesil in Proverbs 14:7 is distinct from the peti (simpleton, easily swayed, but potentially teachable), the nabal (wicked fool, morally perverse, despises God), or the lets (scoffer, mocker, arrogant, rejects reproof vehemently). The specific kesil referenced here is known for a lack of desire for knowledge and a stubborn rejection of wisdom. Thus, the counsel to depart is specific to someone who is intrinsically barren of da'at—understanding and moral insight—making any attempt to find it futile. This also highlights a boundary in sharing wisdom; while believers are called to share the Gospel broadly, there is wisdom in discerning when to cease prolonged attempts to engage with those who consistently scoff or refuse genuine reception, as Jesus alluded to in Matthew 7:6 concerning "pearls before swine."
Proverbs 14 7 Commentary
Proverbs 14:7 offers vital practical wisdom: be selective with whom you invest your time and attention, especially in matters of learning and spiritual growth. The verse isn't promoting isolation or refusing evangelism, but rather an active disengagement from individuals identified as kesil fools, those who are not merely ignorant but actively resistant, defiant, or complacent concerning true wisdom and God's instruction. Engaging with such a person, hoping for them to speak or receive words of knowledge, is a fruitless endeavor—like expecting fruit from a barren tree. Their "lips of knowledge" are absent because their hearts reject wisdom (Prov 1:7, 18:2).
The command "go from" is a protective measure. Continuing to interact closely or to seek counsel from one who scorns wisdom can waste time, diminish one's own pursuit of truth, expose one to folly's influence, and even bring personal vexation or corruption (Prov 13:20; 1 Co 15:33). It teaches a valuable lesson in stewardship of one's relational energy and mental focus, directing it towards those who are receptive and conducive to spiritual and practical growth. It calls for discernment: assess what a person offers through their words and actions, and if genuine, godly wisdom is consistently absent or even mocked, then it is prudent to depart.