Proverbs 23:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:9

We are here directed not to cast pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6) and not to expose things sacred to the contempt and ridicule of profane scoffers. It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of divine things; but, 1. There are some that will make a jest of every thing, though it be ever so prudently and pertinently spoken, that will not only despise a wise man's words, but despise even the wisdom of them, that in them which is most improvable for their own edification; they will... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:9

Speak not in the ears of a fool ,.... For it is only beating the air, and speaking to the wind; it is casting pearls before swine, and that which is holy to dogs. By the "fool" is meant a wicked man, one abandoned to sin, and hardened in it; that scoffs at all admonitions and reproofs, that derides the word, and the preachers of it, and makes a mock at all good men, and everything they say; and therefore what is serious and sacred should not be said to them, since it only becomes the object... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:9

Here is another case in which "sweet words" are lost. Speak not in the ears of a fool. This does not mean, as it would in our English phrase—whisper not to a fool; but do not take the trouble to try to make him understand, impart nothing to him. The "fool" here ( kesil ) is the dull, stolid, stupid man. who cannot be moved from his own narrow groove (see on Proverbs 1:22 ). It is a mere casting of pearls before swine ( Matthew 7:6 ) to speak to such a man of high aims, righteous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:9-11

Holding aloof from evil I. THE FOOL . ( Proverbs 23:9 .) There is "a time to keep silence." Truth may be desecrated in certain company by speech and honoured by silence. Pearls are not to be cast before swine. The silence of Christ was equally eloquent with his words. How much does the sentence convey, "He answered hint never a word"! Beyond a certain point explanations are worse than useless; the caviller only takes them as food for his folly and encouragement to his perversity. ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 23:9

Proverbs 23:9 . Speak not in the ears of a fool Cast not away good counsels upon obstinate and incorrigible sinners: see Matthew 7:6. For he will despise the wisdom of thy words He will scornfully reject thy wise and good admonitions. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-35

Social-climbers and others (23:1-35)Those who seek status like to mix with the upper classes and try to copy their habits. But because of their ignorance of how to eat fine foods, they make fools of themselves and so spoil their chances of progressing up the social ladder. The food they desire becomes the means of their downfall (23:1-3). The desire for wealth can lead to disappointment (4-5), and the efforts to win the favour of others may win only their disfavour. This may particularly be the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:9

fool. Hebrew. kesil. See note on Proverbs 1:7 . he will despise. Illustration: Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:1 , 2 Chronicles 25:16 ). wisdom = intelligence. Hebrew. sekel. See note on Proverbs 1:2 . Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 23:4 , Proverbs 23:23 . words = sayings. Hebrew. millah = discourse. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 23:9

9"Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words."The sacred words of the Christ are a perfect comment on this: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast your pearls before swine" (Matthew 7:6). read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 23:9

9. (Compare :-). "Cast not your pearls before swine" ( :-). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 23:9

"The hearing of a fool" is literally "the ears of a fool." One should not try to speak words of wisdom to a fool. As always in Proverbs, the fool is one who rejects God’s words. The words spoken on this occasion are in harmony with God’s since they are words containing wisdom. Trying to teach someone divine wisdom when he or she rejects divine wisdom is a waste of time. However, God can change people’s minds about divine wisdom. But this proverb deals only with natural response. read more

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