Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's tempting to read this as simply "avoid fools." But look closer: it says "go from the presence of a fool, when you do not perceive words of knowledge in him." This isn't just about avoiding negativity; it's about recognizing that if someone consistently offers nothing but foolishness, lingering offers no gain – you leave without having learned anything valuable.
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom, offering practical advice for living a life that honors God. This particular verse is part of a larger section contrasting the wise and foolish. It's framed by encouragements to seek understanding and warnings against associating with those who lack discernment, emphasizing that a fool's words offer no genuine insight or spiritual nourishment.
Ever felt stuck in a conversation that just goes nowhere? Proverbs gives us permission to leave.
The verse presents a clear directive: if you find yourself with someone who offers no insight or understanding – essentially, 'words of knowledge' – it’s wise to move on. This isn't about being rude, but about protecting your own spirit and time.
Recognizing the Void
When you can't 'perceive the lips of knowledge' in someone, it means their words are empty, harmful, or simply not conducive to growth. It’s a signal that the conversation, or even the relationship, isn't edifying.
The Value of Discernment
Proverbs often emphasizes the importance of choosing our associations carefully. Sticking around someone who lacks wisdom or actively spreads foolishness can lead you astray, like trying to draw water from a dry well. There’s no profit, and potential harm, in staying.
What makes someone a 'fool' in Proverbs? It's not just about being unintelligent, but about a deeper disposition.
The 'fool' in Proverbs isn't simply someone who lacks IQ points. They are characterized by a rejection of wisdom, a disregard for instruction, and often, a defiant spirit.
The Empty Speaker
When the verse says you 'do not meet words of knowledge' from a fool, it highlights their inability or unwillingness to speak truth, insight, or helpful understanding. Their 'lips' might be full of chatter, but they lack substance and divine perspective.
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Seeking Substance
Wisdom, on the other hand, is associated with 'lips of knowledge.' These are words that build up, instruct, and lead toward understanding God’s ways. The contrast is stark: one path leads to emptiness, the other to life and growth.
Understand the original words
kəsîl · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks moral and spiritual insight, characterized by a refusal to learn, stubbornness, and living as if God does not exist.
This passage directly echoes the wisdom of Proverbs, warning that bad company corrupts good character, reinforcing the idea that associating with fools offers no benefit and can be detrimental.
Psalm 1:1It contrasts the blessedness of those who avoid the counsel of the wicked (similar to avoiding fools) with the path of destruction for those who follow their ways.
Matthew 7:6Jesus' instruction not to cast pearls before swine illustrates the futility and potential harm of trying to impart wisdom to those who will not appreciate or understand it, much like seeking knowledge from a fool.
Ephesians 5:11This verse urges believers to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them, aligning with the proactive avoidance of unproductive and potentially harmful associations with foolish individuals.
gillProverbs 14:7: "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge."
Go from the presence of a foolish man,.... A wicked one; avoid him, shun his company, depart from him, have no fellowship with him, it, being dangerous, infectious, and hurtful; when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge; when it is observed that his lips pour out foolishness, what is corrupt and unsavoury, unchaste and filthy; what does not minister grace to the hearers, no…
pulpitProverbs 14:7: "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge."
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…
It's tempting to read this as simply "avoid fools." But look closer: it says "go from the presence of a fool, when you do not perceive words of knowledge in him." This isn't just about avoiding negativity; it's about recognizing that if someone consistently offers nothing but foolishness, lingering offers no gain – you leave without having learned anything valuable.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom, offering practical advice for living a life that honors God. This particular verse is part of a larger section contrasting the wise and foolish. It's framed by encouragements to seek understanding and warnings against associating with those who lack discernment, emphasizing that a fool's words offer no genuine insight or spiritual nourishment.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom, offering practical advice for living a life that honors God. This particular verse is part of a larger section contrasting the wise and foolish. It's framed by encouragements to seek understanding and warnings against associating with those who lack discernment, emphasizing that a fool's words offer no genuine insight or spiritual nourishment.
"Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge." — It's tempting to read this as simply "avoid fools." But look closer: it says "go from the presence of a fool, when you do not perceive words of knowledge in him." This isn't just about avoiding neg…
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Last reviewed October 2026