Proverbs 23:9
Proverbs 23:9 in Multiple Translations
Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Say nothing in the hearing of a foolish man, for he will put no value on the wisdom of your words.
Don't talk to stupid people because they'll ridicule your wise words.
Speake not in the eares of a foole: for hee will despise the wisdome of thy wordes.
In the ears of a fool speak not, For he treadeth on the wisdom of thy words.
Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Speak not in the ears of fools: because they will despise the instruction of thy speech.
◄Do not waste time by/It is useless► talking to foolish people; they will only despise the wise things that you say.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
כְ֭סִיל
אַל
תְּדַבֵּ֑ר
כִּֽי
יָ֝ב֗וּז
לְ/שֵׂ֣כֶל
מִלֶּֽי/ךָ
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd
כְ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָ֝ב֗וּז
bûwz
H936
to despise
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/שֵׂ֣כֶל
sekel
H7922
understanding
Prep | N-ms
מִלֶּֽי/ךָ
millâh
H4405
speech
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:9
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
כְ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָ֝ב֗וּז
bûwz
H936
"to despise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To despise or hold in contempt is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which is used in the Bible to describe showing disrespect or disdain for someone or something, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean to consider something insignificant. This term is translated as contemn or despise in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, hold as insignificant 1a) (Qal) to despise, show despite toward
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. See also: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 23:9; Proverbs 6:30.
לְ/שֵׂ֣כֶל
sekel
H7922
"understanding"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means understanding or intelligence, implying success. It involves prudence and insight, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean cunning or craft.
Definition: 1) prudence, insight, understanding 1a) prudence, good sense 1b) insight, understanding 1c) cunning, craft (bad sense) Aramaic equivalent: sokh.le.ta.nu (שׇׂכְלְתָנוּ "insight" H7924)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 3:4.
מִלֶּֽי/ךָ
millâh
H4405
"speech"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a word or speech, and can also refer to a topic or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what people say or talk about.
Definition: word, speech, utterance Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word. See also: 2 Samuel 23:2; Job 30:9; Psalms 19:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:9
Context — Saying 10
7for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.
9Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, 11for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 9:7–8 | He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. |
| 2 | Matthew 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. |
| 3 | Proverbs 26:4–5 | Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:7 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
| 5 | Isaiah 36:21 | But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.” |
| 6 | John 8:52 | “Now we know that You have a demon!” declared the Jews. “Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that anyone who keeps Your word will never taste death. |
| 7 | John 10:20 | Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?” |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 1:21–24 | For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. |
| 9 | Acts 17:18 | Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. |
| 10 | Acts 28:25–28 | They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” |
Proverbs 23:9 Summary
This verse is saying that sometimes it's not worth trying to share our wisdom or advice with someone who is not going to listen or appreciate it, because they may just despise our words and make fun of us. This doesn't mean we should never try to share our thoughts or feelings with others, but rather that we should be thoughtful and discerning about when and how we do so, as in Proverbs 15:23 and Ecclesiastes 3:7. We can trust that God will give us wisdom and guidance in these situations, and that He will use our words to bless and help others, even if it's not always obvious or immediate, as in Isaiah 55:11 and 1 Corinthians 3:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to speak to a fool in Proverbs 23:9?
In this context, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and refuses to listen to advice, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 10:8, so speaking to them may be a waste of time and may even lead to ridicule or harm.
Is this verse saying we should never try to share wisdom with anyone who does not immediately understand or accept it?
Not exactly, for the Bible also encourages us to be patient and persistent in sharing the truth, as in 2 Timothy 4:2, but it does caution us to be discerning about when and how we share our words, lest they be despised or wasted, as in Proverbs 23:9.
How can I know if someone is a fool, as described in this verse, or just someone who is struggling to understand?
We can look for the fruit of their actions and attitudes, as in Matthew 7:20, and consider whether they are open to correction and instruction, as in Proverbs 9:8-9, before deciding how to proceed in sharing our words with them.
What is the main concern of this verse, and how can I apply it to my life?
The main concern is to avoid wasting our words on those who will not appreciate or respond to them, and we can apply this by being thoughtful and discerning about when and how we share our wisdom, and by trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, as in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I have spoken to someone who despised my words, and how can I learn from those experiences to be more discerning in the future?
- How can I balance the need to be wise and discerning in sharing my words with the command to share the truth and love with all people, as in Matthew 28:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15?
- What are some practical ways I can 'not speak' to a fool, without being unloving or unkind, and how can I trust God to give me wisdom and guidance in these situations?
- How can I cultivate a heart of wisdom and discernment, so that I can be more effective in sharing my words and avoiding wasted efforts, as in Proverbs 2:1-6 and James 1:5-8?
Gill's Exposition on 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Speak not (namely, wise words) in the ears of a fool - such as the miserly host just described (Proverbs 23:6-8; Proverbs 9:8).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
Speak not in the ears of a fool; cast not away good counsels upon obstinate and incorrigible sinners. We have the same advice given . He will despise the wisdom of thy words; he will scornfully reject thy wise and good admonitions.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
Proverbs 23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.Ver. 9. Speak not in the ears of a fool.] That is, of a wilful fool, that seldom asketh council, but never followeth any, as it is said of James, King of Scotland. Daniel’ s History.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
(9) Speak not in the ears of a fool.—Do not waste thy time in explaining matters to him. A fool.—A dull, stupid person. (Comp. Proverbs 1:22.)
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:9
The “fool” here is one willfully and persistently deaf to it, almost identical with the scorner.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:9
9. Speak not in the ears of a fool — Compare Matthew 7:6 : “Cast [not] ye your pearls before swine.” Waste not your time in talking to him who despises all you say. Compare Proverbs 9:8.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Right Reaction to Correction by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of how individuals react to correction and reproof, highlighting that one's response reveals their character. Those who respond with anger an |
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The Final Warning by Asahel Nettleton | Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the |
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Repentance From Dead Works by Richard Owen Roberts | Richard Owen Roberts preaches on the biblical demand for repentance, emphasizing the need to repent not only from sins but also from dead works. He delves into the difference betwe |
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Personal Testimony by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted |
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Sex and the Single Person by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of enslavement to worldly desires and emphasizes the need to be free from such bondage. He highlights the prevalence of sexual tempt |
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Casting Pearls Before Swine by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preparing hearts for the presence of God. He references 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, where it is stated that unbelievers and the |
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Ploughing a Rock by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the futility of seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in worldly pursuits such as pleasure, wealth, and success. The author presents various examples |