Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
In context
6 Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; 7 for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.
9 Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, 11 for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears 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.
- 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.