7 Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
Proverbs 17:7
Semantically similar passages
Ecclesiastes 10:11–13
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Proverbs 19:9–11
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. 10 Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! 11 A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
Sirach 21:15–17
15 If a man of knowledge hears a wise word, he will commend it and add to it. The wanton man hears it, and it displeases him, so he throws it away behind his back. (WEB) 16 The chatter of a fool is like a burden in the way, but grace will be found on the lips of the wise. (WEB) 17 … (WEB)
Proverbs 23:8–10
8 You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
Proverbs 16:12–14
12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. 14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
Proverbs 10:31–32
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Proverbs 14:2–4
2 He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him. 3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest co…
Sirach 20:19–21
19 A man without grace is a tale out of season. It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant. (WEB) 20 A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected; for he won’t tell it at the proper time. (WEB) 21 There is one who is hindered from sinning through lack. When he rests, he… (WEB)
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