Proverbs 17:7 “Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to…”

Proverbs 17:7

Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

World English Bible

Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.

American Standard Version

Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.

Geneva Bible 1599

Hie talke becommeth not a foole, much lesse a lying talke a prince.

Darby Translation

Excellent speech becometh not a vile [man]; how much less do lying lips a noble!

Young's Literal Translation

Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.

Bible in Basic English

Fair words are not to be looked for from a foolish man, much less are false lips in a ruler.

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Cross references

“Excellent speech”

Proverbs 26:7 Matthew 7:5 Psalm 50:16 Psalm 50:17

Proverbs 26:7 · BSB

Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Matthew 7:5 · BSB

You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Psalm 50:16 · BSB

To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips?

Psalm 50:17 · BSB

For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.

“much”

Proverbs 29:12 Proverbs 16:10–13 2 Samuel 23:3 Job 34:12 Psalm 101:3–5

Proverbs 29:12 · BSB

If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.

Proverbs 16:10–13 · BSB

A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.

2 Samuel 23:3 · BSB

The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,

Job 34:12 · BSB

Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.

Psalm 101:3–5 · BSB

I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

“lying lips”

Proverbs 12:19

Proverbs 12:19 · BSB

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

6Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father.

8A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

Read Proverbs 17