Proverbs 17:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.

NIV: Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

NASB: Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.

CSB: Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler.

NLT: Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

KJV: Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

NKJV: Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince.

This proverbs uses a Hebrew phrasing that loses something in translation. The original refers to speech which is lofty, excessive, or overdone. This refers to something pretentious, as when someone puts on an air of authority or superiority. This is ill suited for a nābāl: a particular kind of "fool" (Proverbs 17:21; 30:22; 1 Samuel 25:3). David encountered a man referred to by the name Nabal, who was arrogantly ignorant and over-sure of his own importance (1 Samuel 25:1–13). The person who lacks spiritual wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) has no business speaking as if he has it (Proverbs 16:18; 21:24). Of course, many fools do exactly that—but their words don't "fit" with who they really are (Proverbs 26:1).

Solomon reiterates the idea of words that don't "fit" by speaking of rulers who tell lies (Proverbs 17:7). In fact, lies from those in authority are even less appropriate than arrogant speech from foolish people. It's beneath the dignity of such a position to be deceptive or dishonest. A ruler who deals is lies is worse than a fool—because his foolishness harms those over whom he has power. Isaiah 32:6 says, "The fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the LORD, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink."

Proverbs 17:7–21 continues Solomon's wise observations. These remarks touch on speech, fools, strife, true friendship, co-signing loans, love of sinning, and what a fool can expect thanks to his foolishness. Numerous comments involve errors that lead to arguments and division. Some observations make a statement and then add to it, others present vivid contrasts.

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.