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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak to be heard by a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the insight of your speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak in the ears of a fool, For he will despise the [godly] wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t speak to a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t speak to a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't talk to fools--they will make fun of you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Speak not in the hearing of a fool; for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not talk directly to a fool, because he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't try to talk sense to a fool; he can't appreciate it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't speak when a fool is listening, because he'll despise your wise words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not speak in the ears of a fool, "" For he treads on the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In the ears of a fool speak not, For he treadeth on the wisdom of thy words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In the ears of the foolish thou shalt not speak, for he will despise for the understanding of thy words.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Speak not in the ears of fools: because they will despise the instruction of thy speech. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not speak into the ears of the unwise. They will despise the doctrine of your eloquence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak in the hearing of fools; they will despise the wisdom of your words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, who will only despise the wisdom of your words.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not speak in the presence of a fool; for he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not speak in front of a fool because he despises your words.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Speak not in the ears of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Say nothing in the ears of a fool, lest at any time he sneer at thy wise words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4641" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê (Prep-b:: N-fdc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear."></a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: tə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ḵə·sîl (N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">to a fool,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/936.htm" title="936: yā·ḇūz (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disrespect.">he will despise</a> <a href="/hebrew/7922.htm" title="7922: lə·śê·ḵel (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Prudence, insight. Or sekel; from sakal; intelligence; by implication, success.">the wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/4405.htm" title="4405: mil·le·ḵā (N-fpc:: 2ms) -- A word, speech, utterance. From malal">of your words.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Proverbs 9:7-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4-5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Matthew 10:14</a></span><br />And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16</a></span><br />But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5</a></span><br />It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-12.htm">Proverbs 15:12</a></span><br />A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of your words.</p><p class="hdg">speak</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Proverbs 9:7,8</a></b></br> He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked <i>man getteth</i> himself a blot… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4,5</a></b></br> Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/36-21.htm">Isaiah 36:21</a></b></br> But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.</p><p class="hdg">he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Luke 16:14</a></b></br> And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-52.htm">John 8:52</a></b></br> Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/9-30.htm">John 9:30-34,40</a></b></br> The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and <i>yet</i> he hath opened mine eyes… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/6-30.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm">Scorn</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/60-12.htm">Treadeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-9.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-22.htm">Scorn</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-7.htm">Treadeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-26.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not speak to a fool</b><br>This phrase advises against engaging in dialogue with someone characterized as a "fool." In biblical terms, a fool is not merely someone lacking intelligence but rather someone who rejects wisdom and moral instruction. The Hebrew word for fool, "kesil," often refers to a person who is morally deficient and resistant to correction. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on wisdom and understanding, often associating foolishness with spiritual and moral failure. Jesus, in the New Testament, also warns against casting pearls before swine (<a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a>), which parallels this advice by suggesting that sacred truths should not be wasted on those who will not appreciate them.<p><b>for he will despise the wisdom of your words</b><br>The second part of the verse explains the rationale behind the initial command. A fool, as defined in the biblical context, is someone who not only lacks wisdom but actively scorns it. This reflects a heart attitude that is closed to instruction and correction. The historical context of Proverbs, attributed to Solomon, suggests a society where wisdom was highly esteemed, and the rejection of it was seen as a serious flaw. This rejection is not just a passive ignorance but an active disdain, which can be seen in other scriptures such as <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22</a>, where fools delight in their mockery. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a>, where the message of the cross is described as foolishness to those who are perishing. This highlights the spiritual blindness that prevents fools from recognizing the value of wisdom, which ultimately points to Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often characterized by a lack of moral and spiritual insight. The Hebrew word used here is (kesil), which implies someone who is obstinate and morally deficient.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>This is a central theme in the book of Proverbs, representing divine insight and understanding that leads to righteous living. Wisdom is often personified and is seen as a guiding principle for a godly life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His teachings often contrast the wise and the foolish.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_communication.htm">Discernment in Communication</a></b><br>As believers, we must exercise discernment in choosing when and with whom to share wisdom. Not everyone is receptive, and we should be mindful of the potential futility in speaking to those who are obstinately foolish.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_wisdom.htm">Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is precious and should be shared with those who are open to receiving it. We should seek to cultivate relationships with those who value and seek understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_words.htm">Guarding Our Words</a></b><br>Our words have power and should be used wisely. Engaging in fruitless discussions with those who scorn wisdom can lead to frustration and conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_and_prayer.htm">Patience and Prayer</a></b><br>Instead of engaging in futile arguments, we should pray for those who are resistant to wisdom, asking God to open their hearts and minds.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_example.htm">Reflecting Christ’s Example</a></b><br>Jesus often chose when to speak and when to remain silent, demonstrating wisdom in His interactions. We should strive to follow His example in our own lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_23_9_conflict_with_sharing_truth.htm">Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament’s call to share truth with everyone? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_child_marriage.htm">What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'foolishness'_defined_today.htm">Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can 'foolishness' be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_god's_wisdom_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about God's wisdom?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Speak not in the ears of a fool.</span>--Do not waste thy time in explaining matters to him.<p><span class= "bld">A fool</span>.--A dull, stupid person. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm" title="How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?">Proverbs 1:22</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - Here is another case in which "sweet words" are lost. <span class="cmt_word">Speak not in the</span> <span class="cmt_word">ears of a fool.</span> This does not mean, as it would in our English phrase - whisper not to a fool; but do not take the trouble to try to make him understand, impart nothing to him. The "fool" here (<span class="accented">kesil</span>) is the dull, stolid, stupid man. who cannot be moved from his own narrow groove (see on Proverbs 1:22). It is a mere casting of pearls before swine (<a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a>) to speak to such a man of high aims, righteous motives, self-sacrifice (comp. <a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8</a>). <span class="cmt_word">He will despise the wisdom of thy words.</span> He cannot enter into the meaning of words of wisdom; he has no appetite for them, he cannot assimilate them; and in his self-satisfied dulness he feels for them nothing but contempt (Ecclus. 22:7, etc., "Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd together, and as he that waketh one from a sound sleep. He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a slumber: whey he hath told his tale, he will say, What is the matter?") <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speak</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּדַבֵּ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to a fool,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְ֭סִיל</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will despise</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝ב֗וּז</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇūz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_936.htm">Strong's 936: </a> </span><span class="str2">To disrespect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשֵׂ֣כֶל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·śê·ḵel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7922.htm">Strong's 7922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, success</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of your words.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלֶּֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(mil·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4405.htm">Strong's 4405: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a discourse, a topic</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:9 Don't speak in the ears (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>