Proverbs 23:9 kjv

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

Proverbs 23:9 nkjv

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Proverbs 23:9 niv

Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.

Proverbs 23:9 esv

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Proverbs 23:9 nlt

Don't waste your breath on fools,
for they will despise the wisest advice.

Proverbs 23 verses

Proverbs 23 9 Meaning

Proverbs 23:9 conveys a crucial principle of discernment regarding the sharing of wisdom and truth. It instructs not to impart valuable counsel, spiritual understanding, or sacred truths to an individual identified as a "fool" (kəsiyl), because such an individual will not appreciate but rather despise, scorn, and reject the words spoken. This teaches the importance of recognizing the receptive capacity of the hearer to avoid profaning wisdom and expending effort fruitlessly.

Proverbs 23 9 Context

Proverbs 23 is a collection of various warnings and instructions concerning wisdom, self-control, and prudence in different social settings. The chapter covers warnings against gluttony (vv. 1-3), pursuit of wealth (vv. 4-5), ungenerous hosts (vv. 6-8), and eventually moves to admonitions regarding fools and alcohol. Verse 9 fits into the broader theme of discerning appropriate interactions and the wise handling of precious resources like instruction. It specifically deals with the futility and potential harm of sharing wisdom with those who are predisposed to scorn it. Historically, wisdom literature in ancient Near Eastern cultures often provided practical guidance for living a successful and righteous life within the community, emphasizing discernment in speech and relationships. This verse reflects the understanding that wisdom is valuable and should not be debased by being offered to those who cannot receive it.

Proverbs 23 9 Word analysis

• Speak (אל תדבר - al tĕdabēr): The Hebrew אל (al) is a negative particle indicating prohibition, making this a strong injunction, "do not speak." תדבר (tĕdabēr) comes from the verb דבר (dāḇar), meaning "to speak" or "to talk." This highlights direct communication, the active impartation of knowledge or counsel.
• In the ears of (באזני - b'ozne): באזני (b'ozne) literally means "in the ears of." This phrase signifies a direct address, intended for serious reception and internalization. It suggests not mere passive hearing but an intimate communication, implying that the speaker intends for the words to penetrate and influence the listener.
• A fool (כסיל - kĕsiyl): כסיל (kĕsiyl) is a critical term in Proverbs, describing a moral and spiritual fool, not just someone unintelligent. A kĕsiyl is someone stubborn, unwilling to learn, impervious to instruction, and often arrogant in their ignorance. This fool often prefers their own twisted ways over wisdom and lives in rebellion against God's order. They lack discernment and despise knowledge.
• For (כי - kî): This conjunction introduces the reason or justification for the preceding command, linking the prohibition to its inevitable consequence. It signifies "because" or "for this reason."
• He will despise (יבוז - yibuz): From the verb בוז (buz), meaning "to despise," "to scorn," "to treat with contempt," or "to mock." This word is stronger than mere rejection; it implies an active, arrogant disdain and undervaluation of what is being offered. The fool doesn't just disagree; they openly scoff and demean the wisdom.
• Your words (מלתך - millathekha): מלתך (millathekha) means "your word" or "your saying" (singular with a suffix). While singular, it denotes the entire content of the wise instruction, counsel, or spiritual truth being offered. It underscores the value of the instruction as emanating from wisdom.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Speak not in the ears of a fool": This phrase is a concise command to exercise discernment in sharing wisdom. It highlights the futility of instructing someone morally closed off to truth. It suggests that valuable wisdom, often divine in origin, should be protected from contempt. Engaging such an individual in deep discourse on wisdom is a wasted effort, both for the speaker's time and for the integrity of the message.
• "for he will despise your words": This explains the imperative. The anticipated response of the kĕsiyl is not merely indifference, but active disdain and contempt. The fool's inherent disposition to scorn wisdom means that attempts to instruct them will only result in the profaning of truth and the likely humiliation of the one offering it. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the character of the recipient before offering profound counsel.

Proverbs 23 9 Bonus section

The concept of the "fool" (kĕsiyl) in Proverbs is deeply significant. It contrasts sharply with ḥakām (the wise person) and differs from nabal (the morally perverse or godless individual) or ʾĕwīl (the simple or easily led, but not necessarily malicious). The kĕsiyl is characterized by a willful opposition to divine wisdom, an active disinterest in understanding, and a propensity to scoff. This makes imparting wisdom to them not just ineffective but counterproductive, as they respond with contempt. The verse also implicitly highlights the value of the words themselves; wisdom is too precious to be treated lightly. Therefore, the prohibition protects both the speaker (from frustration and contempt) and the wisdom (from being profaned). Discernment, a hallmark of wisdom, is key to applying this proverb correctly, avoiding both unproductive engagement and self-righteous aloofness.

Proverbs 23 9 Commentary

Proverbs 23:9 provides a sharp and practical instruction for navigating social and spiritual interactions. It underscores that wisdom, a precious gift often rooted in divine truth, must be offered with discernment. The "fool" here is not merely intellectually dull but morally and spiritually resistant, even hostile, to truth and correction. Such individuals have closed hearts and minds, actively preferring their folly. To share profound words with them is akin to throwing pearls to pigs (as alluded to in the New Testament); it will not be appreciated but rather trampled underfoot and perhaps even cause the giver harm. This verse teaches the importance of recognizing spiritual readiness. It is an act of stewardship over wisdom itself, protecting it from devaluation by those who would scorn it. Discerning when to speak and when to remain silent is a mark of true wisdom, preventing frustration and the desecration of holy truths.

Practical Usage:

• Discipleship: Don't press deep theological truths onto those clearly uninterested or mockers, but seek out receptive hearts.
• Parenting/Mentorship: Recognize when a child or mentee is in a rebellious, non-receptive phase; sometimes silence or a different approach is wiser than persistent instruction met with scorn.
• Evangelism: While the Gospel must be preached, some individuals, after repeated exposure and active rejection, may indicate a heart hardened to further instruction, warranting a shift in approach or disengagement in order to not profane the sacred message.