Proverbs 23:9

NET ©

Do not speak in the ears of a fool, 1  for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 2 

NIV ©

Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

NASB ©

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

NLT ©

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

MSG ©

Don't bother talking sense to fools; they'll only poke fun at your words.

BBE ©

Say nothing in the hearing of a foolish man, for he will put no value on the wisdom of your words.

NRSV ©

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, who will only despise the wisdom of your words.

NKJV ©

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

KJV
Speak
<01696> (8762)
not in the ears
<0241>
of a fool
<03684>_:
for he will despise
<0936> (8799)
the wisdom
<07922>
of thy words
<04405>_.
HEBREW
Kylm
<04405>
lkvl
<07922>
zwby
<0936>
yk
<03588>
rbdt
<01696>
la
<0408>
lyok
<03684>
ynzab (23:9)
<0241>
LXXM
eiv
<1519>  
PREP
wta
<3775>  
N-ASN
afronov
<878>  
A-GSM
mhden
<3367>  
A-ASN
lege
<3004>  
V-PAD-2S
mhpote
<3379>  
ADV
mukthrish
<3456>  
V-AAS-3S
touv
<3588>  
T-APM
sunetouv
<4908>  
A-APM
logouv
<3056>  
N-APM
sou
<4771>  
P-GS
NET © [draft] ITL
Do not
<0408>
speak
<01696>
in the ears
<0241>
of a fool
<03684>
, for
<03588>
he will despise
<0936>
the wisdom
<07922>
of your words
<04405>
.
NET © Notes

1 sn The mention of “the ears” emphasizes the concerted effort to get the person’s undivided attention. However, a fool rejects instruction and discipline.

2 sn Saying number nine indicates that wisdom is wasted on a fool. The literature of Egypt has no specific parallel to this one.