Proverbs 23:9
Say nothing in the hearing of a foolish man, for he will put no value on the wisdom of your words.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
In Context
8The food which you have taken will come up again, and your pleasing words will be wasted.
Cross References
Proverbs 1:7The fear of the Lord is the start of knowledge: but the foolish have no use for wisdom and teaching.
Proverbs 9:8Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him.
Isaiah 36:21But they kept quiet and gave him no answer: for the king's order was, Give him no answer.
Luke 16:14And the Pharisees, who had a great love of money, hearing these things, were making sport of him.
John 9:30The man said in answer, Why, here is a strange thing! You have no knowledge where he comes from though he gave me the use of my eyes.
John 10:20And a number of them said, He has an evil spirit and is out of his mind; why do you give ear to him?
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 23:7-9
6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. 8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. Those that are voluptuous and given to appetite ( v. 2 ) are glad to be where there is good cheer stirring, and those that are covetous and saving, that they may spare at home, will be glad to get a dinner at another man's table; and… Read the whole commentary →