Proverbs 23:9

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, who will only despise the wisdom of your words.

Proverbs 23:9 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:9

Speak not in the ears of a fool
For it is only beating the air, and speaking to the wind; it is casting pearls before swine, and that which is holy to dogs. By the "fool" is meant a wicked man, one abandoned to sin, and hardened in it; that scoffs at all admonitions and reproofs, that derides the word, and the preachers of it, and makes a mock at all good men, and everything they say; and therefore what is serious and sacred should not be said to them, since it only becomes the object of their banter and ridicule; for he will despise the wisdom of thy words;
not only the words of doctrine, reproof, and correction, but the "wisdom" of them; or let them be ever so wisely spoken; for if the wisdom of God and his words, the truths of the Gospel, are foolishness with such, and despised by them, then much more the wisdom even of the best of men, and the wisest things they say; yea, when they deliver the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, the Gospel of Christ, which therefore should be spoken among them that are perfect, ( 1 Corinthians 1:24 1 Corinthians 1:25 ) ( 1 Corinthians 2:6 1 Corinthians 2:7 ) .

Proverbs 23:9 In-Context

7 for like a hair in the throat, so are they. "Eat and drink!" they say to you; but they do not mean it.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten, and you will waste your pleasant words.
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, who will only despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not remove an ancient landmark or encroach on the fields of orphans,
11 for their redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.