Stay
away from a foolish man, for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.
Proverbs 14:7
Proverbs 14 [5.] A truthful witness will not lie,
but a false witness pours out lies.
A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it,
but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
Stay away from a foolish man,
for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.
The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
but the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools mock at making atonement for sins,
but among the upright there is good will.
Meaning:
This verse offers wisdom on the importance of discernment in relationships and interactions, highlighting the value of associating with those who are wise and knowledgeable. Let's delve into its meaning, significance, and practical applications.
- Book of Proverbs Overview:
Author: Traditionally attributed to Solomon, with contributions from other wise figures.
Purpose: To provide practical wisdom and guidance for living a life that honors God, emphasizing moral integrity, practical ethics, and the pursuit of wisdom.
- Verses Leading to Proverbs 14:7:
Proverbs 14:1-6: These verses contrast the wise and foolish, discussing themes like building a home with wisdom versus foolishness and the value of knowledge over mockery.
Significance
- Discernment in Choosing Associations:
Warning Against Foolishness: The verse advises distancing oneself from a foolish person who lacks knowledge and wisdom. This caution is rooted in the understanding that association with the unwise can lead to negative influences and poor decision-making.
Lips of Knowledge: The reference to "lips of knowledge" suggests that wisdom and understanding are evident in a person’s words. It emphasizes the importance of speech that is informed, thoughtful, and grounded in truth and understanding.
- Practical Wisdom:
Avoiding Negative Influence: Associating with someone who does not speak with knowledge can be detrimental. This can lead to misguided advice, unwise decisions, and a life that strays from wisdom and righteousness.
Seeking Wise Counsel: Proverbs frequently encourages seeking out wise counsel and avoiding those who lead others astray. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of surrounding oneself with wise and godly people (Proverbs 13:20, Psalm 1:1).
Theological Reflection
- Wisdom and Knowledge as Divine Gifts:
God’s Wisdom: The wisdom spoken of in Proverbs is often linked to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). True wisdom is rooted in a relationship with God and a reverence for His ways.
Contrast with Folly: The fool, in biblical terms, is one who rejects God’s wisdom and chooses his own path. This verse underscores the folly of aligning with such individuals, who lack the foundational wisdom that comes from God.
- Community and Influence:
Impact of Relationships: Proverbs 14:7 highlights the importance of our relationships and the impact they have on our lives. The people we choose to spend time with shape our thoughts, values, and decisions.
Building a Wise Community: By choosing to distance ourselves from those who lack wisdom, we cultivate a community that values knowledge, righteousness, and godly living. This creates an environment conducive to growth and wisdom.
Practical Applications
- Cultivating Wisdom in Relationships:
Evaluate Your Circle: Take a moment to reflect on your friendships and relationships. Are they nurturing your growth in wisdom and knowledge, or are they leading you away from godly living? Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Seek Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable and wise, who can provide sound advice and encourage you in your faith and decision-making. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Without counsel, plans go wrong, but in a multitude of counselors, they are established."
- Guarding Your Speech and Company:
Speak with Wisdom: Strive to speak words of wisdom, truth, and encouragement. Let your speech reflect the knowledge and understanding that come from God. Ephesians 4:29 urges, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Choose Your Companions Wisely: When you encounter individuals whose words lack knowledge and wisdom, be discerning. It’s not about being unkind but about protecting your own walk with God and your pursuit of wisdom.
- Reflecting God’s Wisdom:
Live Out Wisdom: Demonstrate wisdom through your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. Let your life be a testament to the wisdom that comes from God, making a positive impact on those around you (James 3:13-18).
Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Regularly seek God’s wisdom in your life.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction." This foundational verse sets the stage for understanding wisdom’s true source—reverence for God.
Proverbs 13:20: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." This reinforces the principle of choosing wise companions to foster a wise and godly life.
Proverbs 22:24-25: "Make no friendship with a man given to anger; nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways, and entangle your soul." This passage similarly warns against forming close relationships with those who exhibit foolish or harmful behavior, emphasizing the importance of avoiding negative influences.
Conclusion: Proverbs 14:7 calls us to exercise discernment in our relationships, urging us to distance ourselves from those who lack wisdom and knowledge. It underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise counsel and speaking words that reflect God’s wisdom. As we navigate our relationships and interactions, may we seek God’s wisdom, cultivate a community of believers who value knowledge and righteousness, and live out our faith with integrity and grace. Let us be diligent in choosing our company and speech, ensuring that they reflect the wisdom and knowledge that come from our Lord.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible