Proverbs 17:7
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׂפַת
lips
H8193
שְׂפַת
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
4 of 10
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
יֶ֑תֶר
Excellent
H3499
יֶ֑תֶר
Excellent
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
אַ֝֗ף
H637
אַ֝֗ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
6 of 10
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְנָדִ֥יב
a prince
H5081
לְנָדִ֥יב
a prince
Strong's:
H5081
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern rulers were expected to embody justice and truth. When kings became liars and tyrants, it undermined the moral order and led to societal collapse, as Israel's history repeatedly demonstrated.
Questions for Reflection
- If you hold positions of leadership, do you maintain higher standards of truthfulness and integrity?
- How do you respond when leaders lie or use their position to deceive?
- What is the relationship between character and calling in Christian leadership?
Analysis & Commentary
Excellent speech is unfitting for a fool, and lying lips are 'much more' unsuitable for a prince. The Hebrew 'yether' (excellent/surpassing) describes noble or lofty speech that contradicts foolish character. Even more incongruous are lies from a 'nadiyb' (prince/noble)—one whose position demands truth. This establishes a hierarchy of moral expectations: everyone should speak truthfully, but leaders especially. Reformed theology emphasizes that those in authority bear greater accountability (James 3:1). Leaders who lie betray their calling and bring reproach on their office.