Proverbs 24:7
Proverbs 24:7 in Multiple Translations
Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.
Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate.
Wisdom is outside the power of the foolish: he keeps his mouth shut in the public place.
Wisdom goes over the heads of stupid people; they have nothing to contribute when important matters are discussed.
Wisdome is hie to a foole: therefore he can not open his mouth in the gate.
Wisdom [is] high for a fool, In the gate he openeth not his mouth.
Wisdom is too high for a fool. He doesn’t open his mouth in the gate.
Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
Wisdom is too high for a fool, in the gate he shall not open his mouth.
Foolish people cannot understand wise sayings/talk; at public meetings they are not able to say anything that is useful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:7
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 24:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָאמ֣וֹת
לֶֽ/אֱוִ֣יל
חָכְמ֑וֹת
בַּ֝/שַּׁ֗עַר
לֹ֣א
יִפְתַּח
פִּֽי/הוּ
רָאמ֣וֹת
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal
לֶֽ/אֱוִ֣יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Prep | Adj
חָכְמ֑וֹת
chokmôwth
H2454
wisdom
N-fp
בַּ֝/שַּׁ֗עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִפְתַּח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פִּֽי/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:7
רָאמ֣וֹת
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
לֶֽ/אֱוִ֣יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
חָכְמ֑וֹת
chokmôwth
H2454
"wisdom"
N-fp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means wisdom, like the kind Solomon asked for in 1 Kings 3:5-14. It refers to good judgment and insight, often from God. This concept is key in Proverbs.
Definition: wisdom Another spelling of chokh.mah (חׇכְמָה "wisdom" H2451)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: wisdom, every wise (woman). See also: Psalms 49:4; Proverbs 9:1; Proverbs 1:20.
בַּ֝/שַּׁ֗עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִפְתַּח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
פִּֽי/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:7
Context — Saying 23
5A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
6Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.
7Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.
8He who plots evil will be called a schemer. 9A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:6 | A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. |
| 2 | Psalms 10:5 | He is secure in his ways at all times; Your lofty judgments are far from him; he sneers at all his foes. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 2:14 | 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. |
| 4 | Amos 5:12 | For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:24 | Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. |
| 6 | Isaiah 29:21 | those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice. |
| 7 | Job 5:4 | His sons are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender. |
| 8 | Amos 5:15 | Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” |
| 9 | Amos 5:10 | There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity. |
| 10 | Proverbs 22:22 | Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, |
Proverbs 24:7 Summary
This verse is saying that wisdom is beyond the reach of a fool, and because of that, they don't have anything worthwhile to say in important discussions, as seen in Proverbs 24:7. It's like they are in a meeting where everyone is talking about something they don't understand, so they just stay quiet. This reminds us to be humble and recognize when we don't know something, and to seek wisdom and knowledge, as encouraged in Proverbs 9:10. By doing so, we can become wiser and more discerning, and contribute more meaningfully to discussions and decisions, as seen in Proverbs 24:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for wisdom to be 'too high' for a fool?
This phrase suggests that a fool is unable to comprehend or attain wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 24:7, and is also reflected in Psalm 14:1, where it is written that 'the fool says in his heart, there is no God'
Why doesn't the fool open his mouth in the meeting place?
The fool remains silent in the meeting place because he lacks the wisdom and knowledge to contribute meaningfully, as stated in Proverbs 24:7, and this is also in line with the advice given in Proverbs 17:28, which says that 'even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent'
Is this verse saying that fools are always silent?
No, this verse is specifically referring to the meeting place, where wise and knowledgeable people gather to discuss important matters, as seen in Proverbs 24:6, which emphasizes the importance of sound guidance and a multitude of counselors
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
This verse encourages us to seek wisdom and knowledge, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, which says that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom', and to be mindful of our own limitations and weaknesses, humbly recognizing when we should listen and learn rather than speak
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting foolishly, and how can I seek wisdom in those areas?
- How can I cultivate a habit of listening and learning from others, rather than always trying to speak and be heard?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of seeking sound guidance and a multitude of counselors, as seen in Proverbs 24:6, to my own decision-making processes?
- How can I balance the need to speak up and share my thoughts and ideas with the need to listen and learn from others, and what role does humility play in this balance?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:7
Wisdom [is] too high for a fool,.... It is out of his reach, he cannot attain it; natural wisdom, or the knowledge of many things in nature; at least it seems so to himself, and therefore will not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:7
Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. Wisdom is too high for a fool - to attain unto.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
Wisdom is too high for a fool; either, 1. Really, it is above his reach or capacity. Or, 2. In his opinion; he judgeth it too hard for him, he despairs of attaining it, he pretends the impossibility of it, because he will not put himself to the charge or trouble of getting it; as, on the contrary, wisdom is said to be easy to him that understandeth, , because he seriously giveth his mind to it, and therefore easily and certainly attains to it. For a fool; for a wilful fool, or a wicked man, whose lusts enfeeble and darken his mind, and make it incapable of wisdom. He openeth not his mouth in the gate; either, 1. He can say nothing for himself when he is accused before the magistrate, for which he gives frequent occasion. Or, 2. He knows not how to speak acceptably and profitably in the public assembly among wise men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
Proverbs 24:7 Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.Ver. 7. Wisdom is too hard for a fool.] Heb., Too high; his pericranium comprehends it not, "neither indeed can" do. He puts off the study of it, pretending the impossibility of reaching to it. He openeth not his mouth in the gate.] He were two fools if he should, for while he holds his tongue he is held wise.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
(7) Wisdom is too high for a fool.—For “wisdom” (literally, wisdoms), comp. note on Proverbs 1:20. 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 Proverbs 22:22) he has to remain sheepishly silent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
Verse 7. A fool - openeth not his mouth in the gate.] Is not put into public offices of trust and responsibility.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:7
7. too high] Lit. (unattainable) heights. The same Heb. word is rendered coral, Job 28:18; Ezekiel 27:16; so that we might render here an unattainable treasure, or a gem beyond his reach. openeth not his mouth, &c.] Contrast Job 29:7-10; Job 29:21-25.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:7
In the gate - Compare the Proverbs 22:22 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:7
7. Wisdom is too high for a fool — Is inaccessible to him; he cannot reach unto it.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The God Who Devastates by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by urging the audience to humble themselves before God and seek His guidance. He mentions that his books, available in the foyer, are more compre |
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Holy Spirit Given From Heaven by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following the teachings of the scriptures. He shares a personal anecdote about a man who was converted to |
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Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for the opportunities to spread the word of God through tapes and videos, particularly in America. He shares a personal experience |
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Take Heed How You Hear by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God and not just hearing it. It highlights the danger of routine religion and the need for a genuine and |
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What Is Your Ambition in Life? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He acknowledges that for some, preaching is a talent show, but for others, it is |
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Clothed With Power by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of a Roman official who was struck blind by God's judgment for opposing the power of God. The official later converts to Christianit |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of not lording over one another but serving one another in love. He introduces the concept of the natural man, the spiritual m |