The lips of the wise spread knowledge
This phrase emphasizes the role of the wise in disseminating knowledge. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). The wise are those who understand and apply God's principles, and their speech reflects this understanding. The lips, symbolizing speech, are a powerful tool for teaching and guiding others. In ancient Israel, oral tradition was a primary means of passing down knowledge, making the role of the wise crucial in maintaining the community's spiritual and moral fabric. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in James 3:17, where wisdom from above is described as pure and peaceable, indicating that true wisdom leads to edification and harmony.

but not so the hearts of fools
In contrast, the hearts of fools are depicted as incapable of spreading knowledge. In biblical literature, the heart often represents the inner being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. Fools, in the biblical sense, are those who reject God's wisdom and live according to their own understanding (Proverbs 1:7). Their hearts are not aligned with God's truth, and thus, they cannot impart true knowledge. This is echoed in Jesus' teachings in Matthew 15:18-19, where He explains that what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart's condition. The fool's heart, being devoid of divine wisdom, results in speech that lacks substance and truth. This dichotomy between the wise and the foolish underscores the importance of aligning one's heart with God's wisdom to be a source of true knowledge.

1. The Wise
In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments. They are characterized by their understanding and ability to impart knowledge.

2. The Fool
Biblically, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often living in a way that is contrary to God's will. Their hearts are described as unstable and unreliable.

3. Solomon
Traditionally, King Solomon is credited with writing the Proverbs. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's teachings often contrast the wise and the foolish.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued and seen as a guide for righteous living.

5. The Heart
In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. It is crucial in determining one's actions and words.The Power of Words
Our words have the power to spread knowledge and truth. As believers, we should strive to speak words that reflect God's wisdom and love.

The Condition of the Heart
The stability of our hearts is crucial. A heart aligned with God will naturally produce wise and edifying speech.

Pursuing Wisdom
True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. We should seek to grow in understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

Contrast of Lifestyles
The lives of the wise and the foolish are starkly different. We are called to examine our lives and ensure that our actions and words reflect the wisdom of God.

Impact on Community
The knowledge we spread can influence those around us. We should be intentional about using our words to build up and encourage others in their faith journey.(7) But the heart of the foolish doeth not so.--Or, disperseth that which is not right.

Verse 7. - The lips of the wise disperse knowledge (ver. 2; Proverbs 10:31). The LXX. takes the verb יִרָוּ in its other signification of "binding" or "embracing," and translates, "The lips of the wise are bound (δέδεται) with knowledge;" i.e. knowledge is always on them and controls their movements. The wise know when to speak, when to be silent, and what to say. But the heart of the foolish doeth not so; i.e. doth not disperse knowledge. Vulgate, cor stultorum dissimile erit, "will be unlike," which probably means the same as the Authorized Version. (Compare a similar use of the words lo-ken in Genesis 48:18; Exodus 10:11.) But the contrast is stated rather weakly by this rendering, lips and heart having the same office to perform; hence it is better, with Delitzsch, Ewald, and others, to take כֵן (ken) as an adjective in the sense of "right" or "trustworthy," and either to supply the former verb, "disperseth that which is not right," or to render, "The heart of the foot is not directed right;" the fool goes astray, and leads himself and others into error. Septuagint, "The hearts of fools are not safe (ἀσφαλεῖς)."

Parallel Commentaries ...


The lips
שִׂפְתֵ֣י (śip̄·ṯê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

of the wise
חֲ֭כָמִים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

spread
יְזָ֣רוּ (yə·zā·rū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2219: To toss about, to diffuse, winnow

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

but not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

so
כֵֽן׃ (ḵên)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

the hearts
וְלֵ֖ב (wə·lêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

of fools.
כְּסִילִ֣ים (kə·sî·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr)