Proverbs 14:7
Proverbs 14:7 in Multiple Translations
Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
Go away from the foolish man, for you will not see the lips of knowledge.
Stay away from stupid people—you won't learn anything from them.
Depart from the foolish man, when thou perceiuest not in him the lippes of knowledge.
Go from before a foolish man, Or thou hast not known the lips of knowledge.
Stay away from a foolish man, for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
Go against a foolish man, and he knoweth not the lips of prudence.
Stay away from foolish people, because they will not be able to teach you anything useful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ךְ
מִ֭/נֶּגֶד
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
כְּסִ֑יל
וּ/בַל
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ
שִׂפְתֵי
דָֽעַת
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מִ֭/נֶּגֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
כְּסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
וּ/בַל
bal
H1077
not
Conj | Part
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
שִׂפְתֵי
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:7
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מִ֭/נֶּגֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כְּסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
וּ/בַל
bal
H1077
"not"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
שִׂפְתֵי
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:7
Context — The Wise Woman
5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.
6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. 9Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 2 | Ephesians 5:11 | Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 5:11 | But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. |
| 4 | Proverbs 9:6 | Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:27 | If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. |
Proverbs 14:7 Summary
This verse is warning us to be careful about who we spend time with and listen to, because some people's words and actions can lead us away from God's wisdom and truth. It's like Proverbs 22:24-25 says, bad friends can corrupt good morals. We should instead seek out wise and godly people to learn from, and spend time in God's Word, like Psalm 119:97-100 encourages, so we can gain true wisdom and knowledge. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and live a life that honors God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to stay away from a foolish man?
It means to avoid close association or intimacy with someone who lacks wisdom and good judgment, as their influence can be detrimental to our spiritual and emotional well-being, as seen in Proverbs 22:24-25.
Will I ever encounter foolish people in my life?
Yes, it is inevitable that you will encounter foolish people, but the key is to not be influenced by their foolishness, and instead, to seek wisdom and discernment from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5.
How can I identify a foolish person?
A foolish person is often characterized by their lack of wisdom, reckless behavior, and disregard for God's principles, as described in Psalm 14:1 and Proverbs 10:23.
Does this verse mean I should never talk to or help a foolish person?
No, it does not mean that, but rather that you should be cautious in your interactions with them, and not expect to gain spiritual or moral insight from their conversation, as warned in Proverbs 14:7, but you can still show them love and kindness, as taught in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'stay away' from foolish influences in my daily life, while still being a witness for Christ?
- How can I discern whether someone's speech is wise or foolish, and what are the consequences of listening to foolish talk?
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and knowledge from God and His Word, rather than relying on human wisdom or foolishness?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid being influenced by foolish people, and to instead surround myself with wise and godly counsel?
- How can I balance being a good neighbor and friend to those around me, while also being mindful of the company I keep and the influences in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man,.... A wicked one; avoid him, shun his company, depart from him, have no fellowship with him, it, being dangerous, infectious, and hurtful; when thou perceivest
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not (in him) the lips of knowledge. So Michaelis. Maurer, after L.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
Avoid the company and conversation of ungodly men, when they break forth into foolish or wicked discourses, lest thou either be infected by them, or seem to approve of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
Proverbs 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.Ver. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man.] If he be a proud fool, as Proverbs 14:6, a scorner and derider of good counsel, and one that knows not how to lisp out the least syllable of savoury language, break off society with such as soon as may be; for what good can be gotten by their company or conference? "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" They infect the very air they breathe upon, and are therefore called λοιμοι, pests, according to the Septuagint, their tongues have the very plague in them; "their breath as fire shall devour you." Non potest vir ille sine convitiis quenquam a quo dissentit vel in levissimis, nominare, saith Dr Rivet concerning Bishop Montague; that man hath not the power to forbear railing at any one that dissents from him, though in never so small a matter. Is there any good to be gotten by such? Do not "their words eat as a gangrene." Dabhar a word, Debher a pest.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
(7) Go from the presence of a foolish man—(khesîl)—i.e. 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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
Verse 7. When thou perceivest not - the lips of knowledge.] Instead of דעת daath, knowledge, several MSS. have שקר sheker, a lie. How this reading came I cannot conjecture. The meaning of the adage is plain: Never associate with a vain, empty fellow, when thou perceivest he can neither convey nor receive instruction.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:7
7. Go from … when thou perceivest not] Rather, Go into … and thou shalt not perceive, R.V. text. Take up your position, as it were, over against him, and contemplate him carefully, and weigh his words; and your first impression of him will be confirmed, “thou shalt not perceive” &c.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:7
7. Go from the presence — The original of the proverb is obscure; but probably our version gives the sense.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then men |
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A Fragrant Life by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heart that has been visited and filled by Jesus. He uses the story of Baron von Sincendorf and his friends discuss |
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Becoming Strong in Spirit by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea of compelling others to come to the word of God. He acknowledges that he may have misunderstood how this should be done, but believ |
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Audio Sermon: Spiritual Warfare and Deception by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual warfare, highlighting the dangers of deception and seduction by Gibeonites, who masquerade as harmless but aim to dece |
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Living for Jesus in a Modern Babylon - 1 by Freddy Bafuka | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making wise choices in life. He uses the example of Daniel from the Bible, who chose to follow God and was rewarded with wi |
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No One Cried at the Funeral by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with good influences to fight against evil. He encourages the audience to spend time in prayer and in |
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How Do You Represent Christ on Facebook? Tim Conway by Tim Conway | This sermon addresses the importance of how our actions, words, and associations, especially on social media like Facebook, reflect our true identity as Christians. It emphasizes t |