Proverbs 23:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

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

NASB: Do not speak to be heard by a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

CSB: Don't speak to a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words.

NLT: Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

KJV: Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

NKJV: Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Not every conversation is worth having, because not every person is willing to converse reasonably. It is foolish to hold a conversation with a fool. Other proverbs note how some people sneer at what they don't understand and respond to other views with anger (Proverbs 9:7; 22:10). Trying to speak rationally with such people is like trying to put out a grease fire with a squirt gun. Not only does it not work, but it makes the situation worse. It makes no difference how true or how valuable an idea is; if the hearer refuses to even consider it, then the attempt itself is wasted. Often the "fool" of the book of Proverbs is depicted as stubborn and thickheaded; his problem is not his intellect, but his intent.

This applies even to important topics. As much as a believer is compassionate and wants to share the gospel with everyone, he must realize that some people foolishly resist the truth. They harden their hearts and minds and mock the gospel. Jesus said, "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not cast your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you" (Matthew 7:6). Other Scriptures underline the idea that godly people should avoid pointless arguments (Titus 3:9–11; 2 Timothy 2:23; Proverbs 29:9).

The fool has a false philosophy and does not want to consider the gospel. His mind is made up, and he has steeled his will against changing it. The content of the message has no value when the listener's intent is against it. Another example of people clinging to wrong beliefs and foolishly setting their minds against the truth comes from John chapter 5. There, a group of religious leaders opposed Jesus. He told them: "You search the Scriptures because you think that in then you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life" (John 5:39–40).

Proverbs 23:1–11 continues a set of wise sayings recorded by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). This passage contains many wise sayings framed mainly as negative commands: beginning with the words, "Do not." These statements are longer than the succinct suggestions which make up most of the book of Proverbs. Solomon addresses matters such as cautious skepticism towards one's host, avoiding addiction to work, and integrity before both men and God.

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

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.