Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ךְ
H1980
לֵ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מִ֭נֶּגֶד
from the presence
H5048
מִ֭נֶּגֶד
from the presence
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
2 of 8
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
לְאִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
לְאִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כְּסִ֑יל
of a foolish
H3684
כְּסִ֑יל
of a foolish
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
וּבַל
H1077
וּבַל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ
when thou perceivest
H3045
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ
when thou perceivest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Proverbs 13:20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Proverbs 9:6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.Proverbs 19:27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
Historical Context
Reflects wisdom tradition's emphasis on choosing companions carefully. Ancient Israelite community life made constant interaction unavoidable, but wisdom required limiting exposure to fools.
Questions for Reflection
- Whose company do you need to limit because they lack knowledge?
- How can you discern when someone's foolishness requires distancing yourself?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge. Upon recognizing someone lacks knowledge and wisdom, separate from them. The imperatives 'go' and 'when you perceive' demand active departure once folly is identified. This verse advocates selective association - avoid fools because their company corrupts. Association with foolish persons provides no benefit and poses spiritual danger.