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Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
<!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 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/14-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_14_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 14:7 - The Wise Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech." /><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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you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not <i>in him</i> the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive <i>in him</i> the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Leave the presence of a fool, As you have not known lips of knowledge <i>there</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool, For you will not find knowledge <i>or</i> hear godly wisdom from his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish person; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Stay away from fools, or you won't learn a thing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Go into the presence of a foolish man, and thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Stay away from a fool, because you will not receive knowledge from his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Stay away from foolish people; they have nothing to teach you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find competent advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Leave the presence of a foolish person, or you will not understand wise counsel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man, for you won't find knowledge on his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man, for you won’t find knowledge on his lips. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Go from before a foolish man, "" Or you have not known the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Go from before a foolish man, Or thou hast not known the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Go from before to the foolish man and thou knewest not the lips of knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Go against a foolish man, and he knoweth not the lips of prudence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Go against a foolish man, and he does not acknowledge lips of prudence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Go from the face of the fool; you get no knowledge from such lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not find words of knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Everything is a hindrance to a foolish man; but the lips of a wise man are like a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />To the foolish man, everything is against him, and the lips of the wise are the weapons of knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Go from the presence of a foolish man, for thou wilt not perceive the lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />All things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the weapons of discretion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-7.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=2592" 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/14.htm">The Wise Woman</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">Stay away</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: min·ne·ḡeḏ (Prep-m) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: kə·sîl (N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">a foolish</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: lə·’îš (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">you will gain</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: ū·ḇal- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śip̄·ṯê- (N-fdc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">from his speech.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.…<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="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6</a></span><br />Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Proverbs 22:24-25</a></span><br />Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, / or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a></span><br />You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Proverbs 19:27</a></span><br />If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-5.htm">2 Timothy 3:5</a></span><br />having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9</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="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/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14-15</a></span><br />Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.<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="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">1 Timothy 6:3-5</a></span><br />If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, / he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6</a></b></br> Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a></b></br> He that walketh with wise <i>men</i> shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Proverbs 19:27</a></b></br> Cease, my son, to hear the instruction <i>that causeth</i> to err from the words of knowledge.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Perceivest</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-30.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Perceivest</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-19.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">A wise woman builds her house</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/14.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/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Stay away from a foolish man;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing one's companions. In biblical context, a "foolish man" is often characterized by a lack of reverence for God and a tendency to make decisions based on worldly wisdom rather than divine guidance. The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, urging believers to seek wisdom and avoid folly. Historically, the Israelites were surrounded by pagan cultures, and the call to avoid foolishness can be seen as a warning against adopting the practices and beliefs of those who do not follow God. This aligns with <a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>, which advises against walking in the counsel of the wicked.<p><b>you will gain no knowledge from his speech.</b><br>The second part of the verse highlights the futility of engaging with those who lack wisdom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, speech was a primary means of conveying wisdom and knowledge. The Hebrew culture placed a high value on the spoken word, as seen in the oral traditions that preserved the teachings of the Torah. The phrase suggests that the speech of a foolish person is devoid of true understanding and insight, which is consistent with the biblical theme that true knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). This can also be connected to the New Testament, where Jesus warns against false teachers and emphasizes the importance of building one's life on His teachings (<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/f/foolish_man.htm">Foolish Man</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a foolish man is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often characterized by a rejection of God's ways and an inclination towards folly and sin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, which he received from God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued and seen as a guide for righteous living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_relationships.htm">Discernment in Relationships</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to exercise discernment in our relationships, recognizing that the company we keep can influence our spiritual growth and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>The pursuit of wisdom is a central theme in Proverbs. We should seek out relationships and environments that foster knowledge and understanding, rather than those that lead us astray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_hearts_and_minds.htm">Guarding Our Hearts and Minds</a></b><br>By avoiding foolish influences, we protect our hearts and minds from being led into error or sin. This requires vigilance and a commitment to God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_of_speech.htm">Influence of Speech</a></b><br>The words we listen to can shape our thoughts and actions. We should be mindful of the speech we allow into our lives, ensuring it aligns with biblical wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_community.htm">Role of Community</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers who are committed to wisdom and godliness can provide support and encouragement in our spiritual journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_blessed_in_the_lord's_name.htm">What advice do the ungodly offer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_ai_mimic_human_theology.htm">Why does AI-generated text sometimes produce theological insights indistinguishable from human theology?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_advice_do_the_ungodly_offer.htm">What advice do the ungodly offer?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Go from the presence of a foolish man--</span>(<span class= "ital">khesil</span>)--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span> a dull, stupid one, when the time comes that you see you can do him no good; for "evil communications corrupt good manners." Thus Samuel "came no more to see Saul," when he saw that remonstrances were unavailing with him, though he continued to "mourn" for him, remembering from what high estate he had fallen.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Go from the presence of a foolish man.</span> There is some doubt about the rendering of this passage. The Vulgate gives, <span class="accented">vade contra stultum</span>, which is probably to be taken in the sense of the Authorized Version. The Revised Version has, "Go into the presence of a foolish man." The Hebrew <span class="hebrew">מִנֶּגֶד</span> (<span class="accented">minneged</span>) may mean "from before," "over against," "in the presence of." Hence arises an ambiguity. The Authorized Version considers the sentence to be an injunction to turn away from a stupid man when you perceive that you can do him no good. The Revised Version is equivalent to "if you go into the presence," etc. <span class="cmt_word">When thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge;</span> Revised Version, <span class="accented">and thou shalt not perceive in him</span>, etc., which embodies a truism with no special point. The whole sentence is better translated, <span class="accented">Go forth from the presence of a foolish man, and thou hast not known the lips of knowledge</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, as Nowack explains, "Leave the presence of a fool, and you carry nothing away with you; after all your intercourse with him, you quit his presence without having gained any advance in true knowledge" (see on Proverbs 20:15). The LXX. presents a very different version: "All things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the arms of knowledge (<span class="greek">αἰσθήσεως</span>)." A foolish man, by his inconsiderate, slanderous, or bitter words, makes every one his enemy; a wise man uses his knowledge to good purposes; his words are the instruments by which he shows what he is. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-7.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">Stay away</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֭נֶּגֶד</span> <span class="translit">(min·ne·ḡeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a foolish</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּסִ֑יל</span> <span class="translit">(kə·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">man;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will gain</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַל־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge</span><br /><span class="heb">דָֽעַת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from his speech.</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂפְתֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(śip̄·ṯê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc<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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 14:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 14:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:8" /></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>