Proverbs 24:7 kjv

Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

Proverbs 24:7 nkjv

Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate.

Proverbs 24:7 niv

Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.

Proverbs 24:7 esv

Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.

Proverbs 24:7 nlt

Wisdom is too lofty for fools.
Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 7 Meaning

Proverbs 24:7 teaches that divine wisdom is unattainable for a fool. The fool's inherent lack of spiritual understanding and moral discernment makes wisdom an unapproachable reality. Consequently, such an individual is utterly incapable of offering sensible counsel or engaging in meaningful discourse, especially in the esteemed public assembly or judicial setting of the city gate. His unfitness for weighty matters necessitates his silence, or else his folly would be shamefully exposed.

Proverbs 24 7 Context

Proverbs 24 falls within a section known as the "Sayings of the Wise," distinct from the main collections attributed directly to Solomon. These sayings, though still expressing Solomonic wisdom principles, represent a compilation from various wise teachers in Israel. Chapter 24 itself continues themes of diligent work, justice, and the consequences of foolishness and idleness, often drawing contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, or the wise and the fool. Verse 7 specifically addresses the public implications of internal wisdom (or its lack), situating an individual's capacity for public counsel within the broader context of their moral and intellectual character. The "gate" sets the scene for communal responsibility and juridical settings prevalent in ancient Near Eastern society.

Proverbs 24 7 Word analysis

• Wisdom (חָכְמוֹת - chokmot): This is the plural form, which in Hebrew can signify intensity, fullness, or the comprehensive scope of wisdom. It refers to a profound, divine-sourced insight, not just intellectual cleverness, but moral and practical understanding rooted in the fear of the LORD. It's understanding how God's order operates and aligning oneself with it.
• is too high for (רָאמוֹת - ramot): Derived from the root "רום" (rum), meaning "to be high," "exalted," "out of reach." It suggests something that is elevated, unattainable, or beyond the grasp of one's comprehension and capability. For the fool, wisdom isn't merely difficult; it's a reality he cannot perceive or access due to his inherent spiritual and moral blind spots.
• a fool (אֱוִיל - 'eviyl): This specific Hebrew term refers to a fool who is morally perverse and despises instruction, differing from other types of "fools" in Proverbs who might be merely silly or dense. The 'eviyl actively rejects and scorns wisdom, often rooted in an arrogant, stubborn self-reliance and disregard for divine truth. Their folly is an ingrained disposition.
• he opens not his mouth (לֹא־יִפְתַּח פִּיהוּ - lo-yiftach piyhu): Literally "he does not open his mouth." This indicates an inability to speak effectively, intelligently, or meaningfully. In the context of the "gate," it highlights a lack of capacity for wise discourse, counsel, or judicial pronouncements. It may imply that if a fool were to speak in such a setting, his folly would be immediately exposed, leading to disgrace; hence, remaining silent is his only, albeit compelled, recourse.
• in the gate (בַּשָּׁעַר - bashsha'ar): The city gate was the nerve center of ancient Israelite urban life. It served as the place for public assembly, judicial courts, legal transactions, significant community announcements, and discussions among elders. To speak "in the gate" meant to participate in weighty public counsel, litigation, or leadership. The fool's inability to speak here emphasizes his utter unsuitability for matters requiring discerning judgment and true wisdom.

Proverbs 24 7 Bonus section

• The concept of the 'eviyl (fool) in Proverbs highlights a person whose heart is closed to God and wisdom, representing a fundamental moral flaw rather than a mere lack of intelligence. Their spiritual obtuseness renders them fundamentally incompatible with divine truth.
• The silence of the fool in the gate is not necessarily a sign of wisdom, but a consequence of his incapacity. If he were to speak, his words would betray his folly, making his compelled silence a self-preservation measure or an obvious indicator of his intellectual and moral vacuity.
• This verse underscores the biblical principle that leadership, especially in public or judicial spheres, requires genuine wisdom and understanding of God's ways. The absence of these qualities disqualifies one from meaningful public contribution.

Proverbs 24 7 Commentary

Proverbs 24:7 powerfully asserts the chasm between true wisdom and the disposition of a fool. Wisdom, derived from divine principles and requiring a discerning heart, remains perpetually "too high" or inaccessible to one defined by folly. This inaccessibility stems not from an intellectual deficit alone, but fundamentally from a moral and spiritual opposition to truth and instruction. The phrase "he opens not his mouth in the gate" vividly illustrates the practical consequence of this inherent incapacity. The gate, being the civic hub of ancient society—where justice was administered, disputes resolved, and crucial decisions made by the wise and esteemed—demanded astute judgment and eloquent articulation. A fool, devoid of genuine insight and incapable of righteous counsel, would find himself either exposed in his ignorance if he spoke or compelled to silence by the profound weight of the discussions. His inability to contribute meaningful, discerning speech underscores his unfitness for any role of public influence or judicious responsibility. Thus, the verse serves as both a descriptive statement of the fool's nature and a warning against entrusting public matters to those lacking true wisdom.