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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 17:7 Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/17-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_17_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 17:7 - Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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even less are lies fitting for a ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool; Much less are lying lips to a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Excellent lips are not fitting for a wicked fool, Even less are lying lips for a noble man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind], Much less do lying lips <i>benefit</i> a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool&#8217s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It sounds strange for a fool to talk sensibly, but it's even worse for a ruler to tell lies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Refined speech is not fitting for a godless fool. How much less does lying fit a noble person!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Respected people do not tell lies, and fools have nothing worthwhile to say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Appropriate speech is inconsistent with the fool; how much more are deceitful statements with a prince!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A lip of excellence is not fitting for a fool, much less a lip of falsehood for a noble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The lip of excellence is not becoming to, the foolish one: much less the lip of falsehood to the noble one.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Eloquent words do not become a fool, nor lying lips a prince. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Well-chosen words are not fitting for the foolish, nor are lying lips fitting for a leader.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Fine words ill fit a fool; how much more lying lips, a noble! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a ruler.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Excellent speech is unbecoming to a fool, and lying lips to a righteous man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A trustworthy utterance is unbecoming to a fool; so is a false utterance to a righteous one.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Overbearing speech becometh not a churl; Much less do lying lips a prince.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-7.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=3346" 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/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: ye·ṯer (N-ms) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">Eloquent</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄aṯ- (N-fsc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">are unfit</a> <a href="/hebrew/5000.htm" title="5000: nā·wāh (Adj-fs) -- Comely, seemly. From na'ah or naveh; suitable, or beautiful."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5036.htm" title="5036: lə·nā·ḇāl (Prep-l:: Adj-ms) -- Foolish, senseless. From nabel; stupid; wicked.">for a fool;</a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: ’ap̄ (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though.">how much worse</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: šā·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham.">are lying</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄aṯ- (N-fsc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/5081.htm" title="5081: lə·nā·ḏîḇ (Prep-l:: Adj-ms) -- Inclined, generous, noble. From nadab; properly, voluntary, i.e. Generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee.">to a ruler!</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.…<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="/james/3-10.htm">James 3:10-12</a></span><br />Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! / Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? / My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8-9</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. / Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a></span><br />Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Proverbs 10:32</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7</a></span><br />Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Proverbs 26:9</a></span><br />Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-6.htm">Isaiah 32:6</a></span><br />For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-19</a></span><br />But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></span><br />The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1</a></span><br />Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Proverbs 6:12</a></span><br />A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a></span><br />Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.</p><p class="hdg">excellent speech</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7</a></b></br> The legs of the lame are not equal: so <i>is</i> a parable in the mouth of fools.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Psalm 50:16,17</a></b></br> But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or <i>that</i> thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? … </p><p class="hdg">much</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10-13</a></b></br> A divine sentence <i>is</i> in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a></b></br> If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants <i>are</i> wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">2 Samuel 23:3</a></b></br> The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men <i>must be</i> just, ruling in the fear of God.</p><p class="hdg">lying lips</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19</a></b></br> The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue <i>is</i> but for a moment.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-33.htm">Churl</a> <a href="/psalms/93-1.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-22.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/job/34-18.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Less</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm">Lip</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/psalms/37-35.htm">Overbearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-28.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/psalms/101-3.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Words</a> <a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Worse</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Churl</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-25.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Less</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm">Lip</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Overbearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Words</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Worse</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Eloquent words are unfit for a fool;</b><br>In the biblical context, a "fool" is often someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, particularly in spiritual matters. Eloquent words, which are articulate and persuasive, are wasted on such a person because they lack the discernment to appreciate or apply them. This reflects the broader biblical theme that wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The cultural context of ancient Israel valued wisdom and understanding, often associating them with righteousness and a life aligned with God's will. The fool, therefore, represents a life lived contrary to these values.<p><b>how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the greater harm caused by deceitful speech when it comes from or is directed towards those in positions of authority. In ancient Israel, rulers were expected to lead with justice and integrity, as seen in the examples of King David and Solomon. Lying lips undermine the trust and stability necessary for effective governance. The Bible frequently condemns lying, as in <a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a>, where lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. This phrase also highlights the responsibility of rulers to uphold truth, reflecting the biblical ideal of a just and righteous leader, which ultimately points to the perfect kingship of Jesus Christ, who embodies truth and justice.<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 lacks wisdom and understanding, often rejecting God's guidance and moral principles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/ruler.htm">Ruler</a></b><br>A person in a position of authority or leadership, responsible for making decisions and guiding others.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of the Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>A genre of biblical writing that focuses on practical and moral teachings, often using poetic language.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_inappropriateness_of_eloquent_words_for_fools.htm">The Inappropriateness of Eloquent Words for Fools</a></b><br>Eloquent speech requires wisdom and understanding, which fools lack. Therefore, it is incongruent for a fool to use such language.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_greater_danger_of_lying_lips_for_rulers.htm">The Greater Danger of Lying Lips for Rulers</a></b><br>Leaders have a responsibility to uphold truth and integrity. Lying undermines their authority and can lead to widespread harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_truthful_speech.htm">The Value of Truthful Speech</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to speak truthfully and avoid deceit, reflecting the character of Christ in our communication.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>Rulers and leaders should seek wisdom to guide their words and actions, ensuring they lead with integrity and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>We must be mindful of our words, understanding their power to build up or tear down, and strive to speak in ways that honor God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</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/does_proverbs_26_7_contradict_other_wisdom.htm">Proverbs 26:7: Does the idea of a proverb in a fool's mouth being 'useless' conflict with other Bible passages that suggest all wisdom is beneficial?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_10_15_conflict_with_jesus.htm">Proverbs 10:15 depicts wealth as a 'fortified city'--does this conflict with Jesus' warnings about riches in the New Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_your_biblical_adversary.htm">What does the Bible say about road rage?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Excellent speech becometh not a fool.--</span>Rather, perhaps, <span class= "ital">Superfluous or pretentious words become not a vile person </span>(<span class= "ital">n?bh?l</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>such as is described in <a href="/isaiah/32-6.htm" title="For the vile person will speak villainy, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.">Isaiah 32:6</a>. (Comp. <a href="/1_samuel/25-25.htm" title="Let not my lord, I pray you, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I your handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom you did send.">1Samuel 25:25</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Much less do lying lips a prince.--</span>Or, <span class= "ital">liberal person </span>(<a href="/isaiah/32-8.htm" title="But the liberal devises liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.">Isaiah 32:8</a>): <span class= "ital">noblesse oblige.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Excellent speech becometh not a fool.</span> <span class="hebrew">שְׂפַת יָתֶר</span>; <span class="accented">verba composita</span>, Vulgate, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> studied, complicated, expressions; <span class="greek">χείλη</span> <span class="greek">πιστά</span>, "faithful lips," Septuagint. Others translate, "arrogant," "pretentious." It is literally, <span class="accented">a lip of excess</span> or <span class="accented">superabundance</span>, and is best taken in the above sense, as arrogant or assuming. A <span class="accented">nabal</span>, a "vicious fool," ought not to flaunt his unwisdom and his iniquities before the eyes of men, but to keep them hidden as much as possible. As such presumptuous behaviour is incongruous in the case of a fool, much less do lying lips [become] a prince; a noble person, such a one as is called in Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/32-8.htm">Isaiah 32:8</a>) "liberal," where the same word, <span class="accented">nadib</span>, is used. This is an illustration of the saying, "Noblesse oblige." Thus the Greek gnome - <p><span class="greek">Ἐλευθέρου γὰρ ἀνδρὸς ἀλήθειαν λέγειν</span> <p><span class="accented">"A free man's part it is the truth to speak."</span> To John the Good, King of France, is attributed the noble maxim which well became his chivalrous character, "Si la bonne foi etait bannie du reste du monde, il faudrait qu'on la retrouvat dans le coeur des rois" (Bonnechose, 'Hist. de France,' 1:310). "My son," says the rabbi in the Talmud, "avoid lying first of all; for a lie will tarnish the brightness of thy honour." For "prince," the Septuagint has, "a just man," which makes the maxim a mere truism. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-7.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">Eloquent</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶ֑תֶר</span> <span class="translit">(ye·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> </span><span class="str2">An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפַת־</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄aṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are unfit</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a fool;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנָבָ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·nā·ḇāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5036.htm">Strong's 5036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish, senseless</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how much worse</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֝֗ף</span> <span class="translit">(’ap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_637.htm">Strong's 637: </a> </span><span class="str2">Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are lying</span><br /><span class="heb">שָֽׁקֶר׃</span> <span class="translit">(šā·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8267.htm">Strong's 8267: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deception, disappointment, falsehood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפַת־</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄aṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to a ruler!</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנָדִ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(lə·nā·ḏîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5081.htm">Strong's 5081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:8" /></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>