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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 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_15_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:7 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools." /><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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the heart of a fool has none to give.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish <i>doeth</i> not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool <i>does</i> not <i>do</i> so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; But the hearts of [shortsighted] fools are not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish doeth not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Words of wisdom make good sense; the thoughts of a fool make no sense at all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The lips of wise people spread knowledge, but a foolish attitude does not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Knowledge is spread by people who are wise, not by fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />What the wise have to say disseminates knowledge, but it's not in the heart of fools to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The lips of the wise diffuse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the wise scatter knowledge, "" And the heart of fools [is] not right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The lips of the wise scatter knowledge, And the heart of fools is not right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The lips of the wise will disperse knowledge: and the heart of the foolish not so.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise shall disperse knowledge: the heart of fools shall be unlike. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The lips of the wise shall disseminate knowledge. The heart of the foolish will be dissimilar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the heart of fools is not steadfast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the wise utter knowledge; but the hearts of fools are unjust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The lips of the wise speak knowledge and the hearts of fools are unrighteous.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish is not stedfast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The lips of the wise are bound by discretion: but the hearts of the foolish are not safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-7.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=2845" 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/15.htm">A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><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.">The lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/2219.htm" title="2219: yə·zā·rū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To scatter, fan, winnow. A primitive root; to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow.">spread</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge,</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.">but not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adj-ms) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">so</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wə·lêḇ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">the hearts</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: kə·sî·lîm (N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of fools.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.…<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/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<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="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-35</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.<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="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">2 Timothy 2:24-25</a></span><br />And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. / He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8</a></span><br />and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a></span><br />And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-3.htm">Psalm 49:3</a></span><br />My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-13.htm">Psalm 119:13</a></span><br />With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Proverbs 10:11</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish does not so.</p><p class="hdg">lips</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a></b></br> The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/45-2.htm">Psalm 45:2</a></b></br> Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-13.htm">Psalm 51:13-15</a></b></br> <i>Then</i> will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee… </p><p class="hdg">the heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Proverbs 10:20,21</a></b></br> The tongue of the just <i>is as</i> choice silver: the heart of the wicked <i>is</i> little worth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a></b></br> O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a></b></br> And the tongue <i>is</i> a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/106-27.htm">Disperse</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/144-6.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-16.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/33-3.htm">Disperse</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-2.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Right</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-12.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">A gentle answer turns away wrath</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/15.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/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The lips of the wise spread knowledge</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the role of the wise in disseminating knowledge. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The wise are those who understand and apply God's principles, and their speech reflects this understanding. The lips, symbolizing speech, are a powerful tool for teaching and guiding others. In ancient Israel, oral tradition was a primary means of passing down knowledge, making the role of the wise crucial in maintaining the community's spiritual and moral fabric. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a>, where wisdom from above is described as pure and peaceable, indicating that true wisdom leads to edification and harmony.<p><b>but not so the hearts of fools</b><br>In contrast, the hearts of fools are depicted as incapable of spreading knowledge. In biblical literature, the heart often represents the inner being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. Fools, in the biblical sense, are those who reject God's wisdom and live according to their own understanding (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). Their hearts are not aligned with God's truth, and thus, they cannot impart true knowledge. This is echoed in Jesus' teachings in <a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-19</a>, where He explains that what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart's condition. The fool's heart, being devoid of divine wisdom, results in speech that lacks substance and truth. This dichotomy between the wise and the foolish underscores the importance of aligning one's heart with God's wisdom to be a source of true knowledge.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments. They are characterized by their understanding and ability to impart knowledge.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>Biblically, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often living in a way that is contrary to God's will. Their hearts are described as unstable and unreliable.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally, King Solomon is credited with writing the Proverbs. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's teachings often contrast the wise and the foolish.<br><br>4. <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.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart.htm">The Heart</a></b><br>In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. It is crucial in determining one's actions and words.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Our words have the power to spread knowledge and truth. As believers, we should strive to speak words that reflect God's wisdom and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_condition_of_the_heart.htm">The Condition of the Heart</a></b><br>The stability of our hearts is crucial. A heart aligned with God will naturally produce wise and edifying speech.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_wisdom.htm">Pursuing Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. We should seek to grow in understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_of_lifestyles.htm">Contrast of Lifestyles</a></b><br>The lives of the wise and the foolish are starkly different. We are called to examine our lives and ensure that our actions and words reflect the wisdom of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/impact_on_community.htm">Impact on Community</a></b><br>The knowledge we spread can influence those around us. We should be intentional about using our words to build up and encourage others in their faith journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_speech.htm">What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_proverbs_22_7_lack_solutions.htm">Proverbs 22:7: Why does the text point out the rule of the rich over the poor but offer no direct solution to systemic economic oppression?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_reject_some_sacrifices.htm">Proverbs 15:8: Why does a just and loving God reject certain sacrifices yet accept others if He's truly impartial?</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/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">But the heart of the foolish doeth not </span>so.--Or, <span class= "ital">disperseth that which is not right.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The lips of the wise disperse knowledge</span> (ver. 2; <a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31</a>). The LXX. takes the verb <span class="hebrew">יִרָוּ</span> in its other signification of "binding" or "embracing," and translates, "The lips of the wise are bound (<span class="greek">δέδεται</span>) with knowledge;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> knowledge is always on them and controls their movements. The wise know when to speak, when to be silent, and what to say. <span class="cmt_word">But the heart of the foolish doeth not so</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> doth not disperse knowledge. Vulgate, <span class="accented">cor stultorum dissimile erit</span>, "will be unlike," which probably means the same as the Authorized Version. (Compare a similar use of the words <span class="accented">lo-ken</span> in <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Genesis 48:18</a>; <a href="/exodus/10-11.htm">Exodus 10:11</a>.) But the contrast is stated rather weakly by this rendering, lips and heart having the same office to perform; hence it is better, with Delitzsch, Ewald, and others, to take <span class="hebrew">כֵן</span> (<span class="accented">ken</span>) as an adjective in the sense of "right" or "trustworthy," and either to supply the former verb, "disperseth that which is not right," or to render, "The heart of the foot is not directed right;" the fool goes astray, and leads himself and others into error. Septuagint, "The hearts of fools are not safe (<span class="greek">ἀσφαλεῖς</span>)." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-7.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">The lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂפְתֵ֣י</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 /><br /><span class="word">of the wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲ֭כָמִים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spread</span><br /><span class="heb">יְזָ֣רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·zā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2219.htm">Strong's 2219: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss about, to diffuse, winnow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָ֑עַת</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">but not</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">so</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the hearts</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֵ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of fools.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּסִילִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:8" /></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>