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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 24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/24-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_24_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 24:7 - Do not Envy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/24-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/24-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm" title="Proverbs 24:6">◄</a> Proverbs 24:7 <a href="/proverbs/24-8.htm" title="Proverbs 24:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom <i>is</i> too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Wisdom <i>is</i> too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is <i>too</i> exalted for a fool, He does not open his mouth at the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Wisdom is too exalted for a fool, He does not open his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool, He does not open his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Wisdom is <i>too</i> exalted for an ignorant fool, He does not open his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is too exalted for a [hardened, arrogant] fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate [where the city’s rulers sit in judgment].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is inaccessible to a fool; he does not open his mouth at the city gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is inaccessible to a fool; he does not open his mouth at the gate. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is too much for fools! Their advice is no good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Matters of wisdom are beyond the grasp of a stubborn fool. At the city gate he does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wise sayings are too deep for stupid people to understand. They have nothing to say when important matters are being discussed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom lies beyond reach of the fool; he has nothing to say in court. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is unattainable for a fool; in court he does not open his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool: he doesn't open his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool. He doesn’t open his mouth in the gate. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom [is] high for a fool, he does not open his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Wisdom is high for a fool, In the gate he openeth not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />High things to the foolish is wisdom: in the gate he will not open his mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool, in the gate he shall not open his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is beyond the foolish; at the gate he will not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Wise words are beyond fools’ reach, in the assembly they do not open their mouth; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for fools; in the gate they do not open their mouths.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom crushes a fool; he opens not his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Wisdom casts out the fool and he does not open his mouth in the gate.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wisdom is as unattainable to a fool as corals; He openeth not his mouth in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise: the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/24-7.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=4860" 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/24.htm">Do not Envy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥā·ḵə·mō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">Wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: rā·mō·wṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fp) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">is too high</a> <a href="/hebrew/191.htm" title="191: le·’ĕ·wîl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Foolish. From an unused root; silly.">for a fool;</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.">he does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: yip̄·taḥ- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">open</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">his mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: baš·ša·‘ar (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">in the meeting place.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>He who plots evil will be called a schemer.…<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/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a></span><br />For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20-22</a></span><br />Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; / in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: / “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Proverbs 9:7-9</a></span><br />He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. / Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. / Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5</a></span><br />It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a></span><br />A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7</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="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Proverbs 17:16</a></span><br />Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a></span><br />This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<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="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a></span><br />Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Wisdom is too high for a fool: he opens not his mouth in the gate.</p><p class="hdg">too</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a></b></br> A scorner seeketh wisdom, and <i>findeth it</i> not: but knowledge <i>is</i> easy unto him that understandeth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24</a></b></br> The way of life <i>is</i> above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24</a></b></br> Wisdom <i>is</i> before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool <i>are</i> in the ends of the earth.</p><p class="hdg">openeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Proverbs 22:22</a></b></br> Rob not the poor, because he <i>is</i> poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8,9</a></b></br> Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-7.htm">Job 29:7</a></b></br> When I went out to the gate through the city, <i>when</i> I prepared my seat in the street!</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Corals</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-11.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-34.htm">High</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Open</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-13.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Public</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-7.htm">Corals</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-23.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">High</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Open</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-23.htm">Public</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-14.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Precepts and Warnings</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/24.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/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Wisdom is too high for a fool;</b><br>This phrase highlights the inaccessibility of wisdom to those who are foolish. In biblical terms, a "fool" is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but rather someone who rejects God's ways and wisdom (<a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>). Wisdom, often personified in Proverbs, is portrayed as something that requires humility and the fear of the Lord to attain (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The "height" of wisdom suggests its exalted nature, something that requires effort and divine assistance to reach. This aligns with the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God and is beyond human grasp without His revelation (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>).<p><b>he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.</b><br>In ancient Israel, the "meeting place" or "gate" was where community leaders gathered to make decisions and dispense justice (<a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-11</a>). It was a place of public discourse and legal proceedings. The fool's inability to speak in such a setting underscores his lack of understanding and credibility. This reflects the cultural context where wisdom and eloquence were highly valued in public life. The fool's silence is not just a lack of words but a lack of meaningful contribution, contrasting with the wise who are able to speak with authority and insight (<a href="/proverbs/31-23.htm">Proverbs 31:23</a>). This also serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting wisdom, as it leads to exclusion from important communal and spiritual discussions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often characterized by a lack of moral insight and discernment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>A central theme in Proverbs, wisdom is portrayed as a valuable and divine attribute that guides righteous living and decision-making.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_meeting_place.htm">The Meeting Place</a></b><br>This refers to a public setting where community discussions or judgments occur, often a place where wisdom and discernment are required.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is portrayed as a treasure that is beyond the reach of those who reject it. It requires humility and a willingness to learn.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>A fool's inability to contribute meaningfully in important discussions highlights the practical consequences of rejecting wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Seeking Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to actively seek wisdom, understanding that it is a gift from God that requires effort and dedication to obtain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_wisdom.htm">The Role of Community in Wisdom</a></b><br>The meeting place symbolizes the importance of community in the pursuit of wisdom. Engaging with others in meaningful dialogue can enhance understanding and discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>The fool's silence in the meeting place serves as a reminder to be mindful of our words and to speak with wisdom and discernment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_soul_mates.htm">What does the Bible say about soul mates?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Wisdom is too high for a fool.--</span>For "wisdom" (literally, <span class= "ital">wisdoms</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>comp. note on <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm" title="Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:">Proverbs 1:20</a>. He has been too self-willed to learn; so while others express their opinions when the business or justice of his city is being transacted (see above on <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm" title="Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:">Proverbs 22:22</a>) he has to remain sheepishly silent.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 7-10.</span> - Some distichs now follow, concerned with wisdom and its opposite. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wisdom is too high for a fool.</span> It is beyond his reach, he cannot follow its lead, and has nothing to say when his counsel is asked, and no ability to judge of any question presented to him. "Wisdom" (<span class="accented">chochmoth</span>) is in the plural number, intimating the various attributes connoted by it, or the different aspects in which it may be regarded (see note on Proverbs 1:20). "Too high" (<span class="hebrew">ראמות</span>, <span class="accented">ramoth</span>) is also plural; and Delitzsch and Nowack take it to mean, not so much "high things" as "precious things," such as pearls or precious stones, in accordance with <a href="/job/28-18.htm">Job 28:18</a>, "No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; yea,. the price of wisdom is above rubies." In this sense Delitzsch translates, "Wisdom seems to the fool to be an ornamental commodity," a costly and unnecessary appendage, which is not worth the sacrifices entailed by its pursuit. Whichever way we take it, the point is the rarity and inaccessibility of wisdom, and the repugnance of fools to make any exertion in order to obtain it. St. Augustine thus sums up the steps by which wisdom is reached: fear of God, piety, knowledge, fortitude, mercifulness, sincerity ('De Doctr. Christ.,' 2:7). <span class="cmt_word">He openeth not him month in the gate.</span> When men gather in the usual place of assembly (<a href="/proverbs/8-3.htm">Proverbs 8:3</a>; <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Proverbs 22:2</a>), to take counsel on public matters, he has nothing to say; he listens fatuously, and is silent. Septuagint, "Wisdom and good thought are in the gates of the wise; the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord, but reason in assemblies." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/24-7.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">Wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמ֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵə·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2454.htm">Strong's 2454: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom, every wise woman </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] too high</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאמ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(rā·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be high actively, to rise, raise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a fool;</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶֽאֱוִ֣יל</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·wîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he does not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</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">open</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְתַּח־</span> <span class="translit">(yip̄·taḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּֽיהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(pî·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the meeting place.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֝שַּׁ֗עַר</span> <span class="translit">(baš·ša·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: (Prov. 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