Proverbs 17:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Eloquence and falsehood alike are out of place—on a fool and even more so on a ruler.
The Context of Proverbs 17:7
Wisdom literature prizes the integration of character and speech.
What Does Proverbs 17:7 Mean?
The verse notes a fundamental discord: fine speech in the mouth of a fool is absurd, like a diamond set in mud. Yet the next clause intensifies the critique: lying lips on a prince are far worse, because a ruler's words carry weight that shapes a nation. A fool speaking well is merely incongruous; a prince speaking falsely is a catastrophe.
This teaching rests on the idea that speech and character must align. A fool cannot sustain eloquence convincingly because wisdom does not underlie it. A prince must be especially careful because his lies ripple outward, undermining law and trust. Position amplifies both the power and the responsibility of one's words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 17:7
What does Proverbs 17:7 mean?
Eloquence and falsehood alike are out of place—on a fool and even more so on a ruler.
What is the context of Proverbs 17:7?
Wisdom literature prizes the integration of character and speech.