Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.
In context
6 Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies, 7 for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten, and waste your pleasant words.
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, 11 for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 23:9 in the KJV
Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 23:9 in the NIV
Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.