Proverbs 23:9

Saying 10

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

Proverbs 23:9 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
English Standard Version (ESV)
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.
The Message Bible (MSG)
9 Don't bother talking sense to fools; they'll only poke fun at your words.
American Standard Version (ASV)
9 Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
9 Do not talk directly to a fool, because he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
9 Don't speak to a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
9 Don't speak to a foolish person. He will laugh at your wise 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 he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.“Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.
9 Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:7; Matthew 7:6
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.