Stay away from a foolish man;
This phrase emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing one's companions. In biblical context, a "foolish man" is often characterized by a lack of reverence for God and a tendency to make decisions based on worldly wisdom rather than divine guidance. The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, urging believers to seek wisdom and avoid folly. Historically, the Israelites were surrounded by pagan cultures, and the call to avoid foolishness can be seen as a warning against adopting the practices and beliefs of those who do not follow God. This aligns with Psalm 1:1, which advises against walking in the counsel of the wicked.

you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
The second part of the verse highlights the futility of engaging with those who lack wisdom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, speech was a primary means of conveying wisdom and knowledge. The Hebrew culture placed a high value on the spoken word, as seen in the oral traditions that preserved the teachings of the Torah. The phrase suggests that the speech of a foolish person is devoid of true understanding and insight, which is consistent with the biblical theme that true knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). This can also be connected to the New Testament, where Jesus warns against false teachers and emphasizes the importance of building one's life on His teachings (Matthew 7:24-27).

1. Foolish Man
In the context of Proverbs, a foolish man is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often characterized by a rejection of God's ways and an inclination towards folly and sin.

2. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, which he received from God.

3. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued and seen as a guide for righteous living.Discernment in Relationships
As believers, we are called to exercise discernment in our relationships, recognizing that the company we keep can influence our spiritual growth and understanding.

Pursuit of Wisdom
The pursuit of wisdom is a central theme in Proverbs. We should seek out relationships and environments that foster knowledge and understanding, rather than those that lead us astray.

Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
By avoiding foolish influences, we protect our hearts and minds from being led into error or sin. This requires vigilance and a commitment to God's truth.

Influence of Speech
The words we listen to can shape our thoughts and actions. We should be mindful of the speech we allow into our lives, ensuring it aligns with biblical wisdom.

Role of Community
Engaging with a community of believers who are committed to wisdom and godliness can provide support and encouragement in our spiritual journey.(7) Go from the presence of a foolish man--(khesil)--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.

Verse 7. - Go from the presence of a foolish man. There is some doubt about the rendering of this passage. The Vulgate gives, vade contra stultum, which is probably to be taken in the sense of the Authorized Version. The Revised Version has, "Go into the presence of a foolish man." The Hebrew מִנֶּגֶד (minneged) may mean "from before," "over against," "in the presence of." Hence arises an ambiguity. The Authorized Version considers the sentence to be an injunction to turn away from a stupid man when you perceive that you can do him no good. The Revised Version is equivalent to "if you go into the presence," etc. When thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge; Revised Version, and thou shalt not perceive in him, etc., which embodies a truism with no special point. The whole sentence is better translated, Go forth from the presence of a foolish man, and thou hast not known the lips of knowledge; i.e., as Nowack explains, "Leave the presence of a fool, and you carry nothing away with you; after all your intercourse with him, you quit his presence without having gained any advance in true knowledge" (see on Proverbs 20:15). The LXX. presents a very different version: "All things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the arms of knowledge (αἰσθήσεως)." A foolish man, by his inconsiderate, slanderous, or bitter words, makes every one his enemy; a wise man uses his knowledge to good purposes; his words are the instruments by which he shows what he is.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Stay away
לֵ֣ךְ (lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

from
מִ֭נֶּגֶד (min·ne·ḡeḏ)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before

a foolish
כְּסִ֑יל (kə·sîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

man;
לְאִ֣ישׁ (lə·’îš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

you will gain
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ (yā·ḏa‘·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

no
וּבַל־ (ū·ḇal-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 1077: A failure, nothing, not at all, lest

knowledge
דָֽעַת׃ (ḏā·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

from his speech.
שִׂפְתֵי־ (śip̄·ṯê-)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man (Prov. Pro Pr)