Proverbs 17:7
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.
In context
4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. 7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince. 8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 17:7 in the KJV
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 17:7 in the NIV
Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!