Proverbs 17:7
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince.
In context
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; And a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: And he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers. 7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. 10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man Than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Compare in other versions
- 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!
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 17:7 in the ESV
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.