Proverbs 23:9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
In context
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.
9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
10 Remove not the old landmark; And enter not into the fields of the fatherless: 11 For their redeemer is mighty; He shall plead their cause with thee.
12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, And thine ears to the words of knowledge.
Compare in other versions
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 23:9 in the NIV
Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 23:9 in the ESV
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.