Proverbs 17:7

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
– Proverbs 17:7

The word for excellent literally means overhanging. It implies excess and here describes speech that is high and lofty. We would call it big talk, or even boasting. It could be pretentious putting on of airs, or arrogant prattle. The first phrase means such talk is not fitting, or appropriate, to a fool (Proverbs 26:7). The word for fool here is not only senseless but also wicked. The same word is used in Psalm 14:1 to describe one who has rejected the first principle of wisdom, the fear of the Lord. Similarly, as the second phrase points out, lying lips are not becoming to a prince. A prince is a ruler and as such a minister of God for righteousness, or justice (Romans 13:1-4). Falsehood in one supposed to uphold truth is a travesty (Proverbs 16:10-13; 12:19).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

About Jeff Short

Comments are closed.