Proverbs 14:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

NIV: Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

NASB: Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.

CSB: Stay away from a foolish person; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.

NLT: Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

KJV: Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

NKJV: Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

Part of obeying God's will is sharing truth with others. That includes the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20), and it certainly includes people who are not naturally friendly to faith (Romans 5:8). However, God's will does not include wasting time and resources on those who clearly have no interest (Matthew 7:6). Likewise, a believer cannot and should not disassociate himself with every unbeliever (1 Corinthians 5:9–11). If he did, he would not be able to share the gospel with him. However, a believer should avoid a relationship in which an unbeliever influences him to think and/or act contrary to the will of God (Proverbs 13:20).

A "fool," in this context, is a person who rejects God's truth and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 10:8; Psalm 14:1). Such a perspective provides nothing of meaningful value. Being careless about the advice of a fool can influence a person to adopt foolish notions. The apostle assures us in 1 Corinthians 15:33 that "bad company ruins good morals." In 2 Corinthians 6:14–15, he commands, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God." He follows this reasoning with a command, "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord" (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Proverbs 14:1–10 continues a long series of short, general-case, common-sense statements of godly wisdom. This section focuses on personal diligence, relationship to the Lord, conversation, witness, prudent behavior, and private emotions. Once again, the spotlight focuses on what is admirable versus that which is disgraceful.

This continues a series of literal "proverbs:" short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects.

Proverbs 14 continues King Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter he discusses a variety of topics such as wisdom and folly, honesty and dishonesty, righteousness and evil, national security and national disgrace, personal security and destruction, the fear of the Lord, generosity, and wise servanthood. This series of astute comments will continue for several more chapters.

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.