The lips of the wise spread knowledgeThis phrase emphasizes the role of the wise in disseminating knowledge. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (
Proverbs 9:10). The wise are those who understand and apply God's principles, and their speech reflects this understanding. The lips, symbolizing speech, are a powerful tool for teaching and guiding others. In ancient Israel, oral tradition was a primary means of passing down knowledge, making the role of the wise crucial in maintaining the community's spiritual and moral fabric. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in
James 3:17, where wisdom from above is described as pure and peaceable, indicating that true wisdom leads to edification and harmony.
but not so the hearts of fools
In contrast, the hearts of fools are depicted as incapable of spreading knowledge. In biblical literature, the heart often represents the inner being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. Fools, in the biblical sense, are those who reject God's wisdom and live according to their own understanding (Proverbs 1:7). Their hearts are not aligned with God's truth, and thus, they cannot impart true knowledge. This is echoed in Jesus' teachings inMatthew 15:18-19, where He explains that what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart's condition. The fool's heart, being devoid of divine wisdom, results in speech that lacks substance and truth. This dichotomy between the wise and the foolish underscores the importance of aligning one's heart with God's wisdom to be a source of true knowledge.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The WiseIn the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments. They are characterized by their understanding and ability to impart knowledge.
2.
The FoolBiblically, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often living in a way that is contrary to God's will. Their hearts are described as unstable and unreliable.
3.
SolomonTraditionally, King Solomon is credited with writing the Proverbs. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's teachings often contrast the wise and the foolish.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued and seen as a guide for righteous living.
5.
The HeartIn Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. It is crucial in determining one's actions and words.
Teaching Points
The Power of WordsOur words have the power to spread knowledge and truth. As believers, we should strive to speak words that reflect God's wisdom and love.
The Condition of the HeartThe stability of our hearts is crucial. A heart aligned with God will naturally produce wise and edifying speech.
Pursuing WisdomTrue wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. We should seek to grow in understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.
Contrast of LifestylesThe lives of the wise and the foolish are starkly different. We are called to examine our lives and ensure that our actions and words reflect the wisdom of God.
Impact on CommunityThe knowledge we spread can influence those around us. We should be intentional about using our words to build up and encourage others in their faith journey.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 15:7?
2.How can we ensure our words spread knowledge like Proverbs 15:7 suggests?
3.What does Proverbs 15:7 teach about the heart's role in wisdom?
4.How does Proverbs 15:7 connect with James 3:13 on wise speech?
5.In what ways can we avoid the "folly" mentioned in Proverbs 15:7?
6.How can Proverbs 15:7 guide our conversations in daily life?
7.How does Proverbs 15:7 define the role of the wise in spreading knowledge?
8.Why does Proverbs 15:7 contrast the wise and the foolish in their speech?
9.What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 15:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15?
11.What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?
12.Proverbs 22:7: Why does the text point out the rule of the rich over the poor but offer no direct solution to systemic economic oppression?
13.Proverbs 15:8: Why does a just and loving God reject certain sacrifices yet accept others if He's truly impartial?
14.Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can 'foolishness' be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?What Does Proverbs 15:7 Mean
the lips of the wise spread knowledgeProverbs 15:7 opens with a vivid image: “The lips of the wise spread knowledge”. God paints wisdom as something actively distributed through speech.
• Wisdom shows itself in words that build up (Proverbs 10:31;Ephesians 4:29).
• The verb “spread” pictures sowing seed, echoing Jesus’ parable of the sower—good seed produces good fruit (Matthew 13:23).
• Knowledge here means truth grounded in God’s revelation, not mere data; wise lips align withPsalm 19:7–10, where God’s Word is called perfect and trustworthy.
• When wisdom speaks, it guides others toward life (Proverbs 13:14) and salvation through Christ (2 Timothy 3:15).
• Paul urges believers, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… teaching and admonishing one another” (Colossians 3:16). Wise lips echo that command, faithfully transmitting Scriptural truth.
but not so the hearts of foolsThe second half drives home the contrast: while wisdom pours out truth, “not so the hearts of fools.”
• The fool’s problem is internal; his heart—seat of thoughts and desires—holds no truth worth sharing (Romans 1:21–22).
• Jesus warned, “For the mouth speaks out of the overflow of the heart” (Matthew 12:34). Empty hearts produce empty words, or worse, words that mislead (Proverbs 12:23; 18:2).
• Fools may talk much (Ecclesiastes 10:14), but their speech lacks the life-giving power of Scripture because they reject God’s authority (Proverbs 1:7).
• The absence of knowledge in a fool’s heart means even silence can be safer than speaking (Proverbs 17:28), yet fools rarely choose it.
summaryProverbs 15:7 draws a simple, stark line. Wise people, rooted in God’s Word, can’t help but let that truth flow from their lips, enriching everyone around them. Fools, disconnected from divine wisdom, have empty hearts and therefore nothing life-giving to share. Choose wisdom—fill your heart with Scripture, and your lips will naturally spread the knowledge that honors God and blesses others.
(7)
But the heart of the foolish doeth notso.--Or,
disperseth that which is not right.Verse 7. -
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge (ver. 2;
Proverbs 10:31). The LXX. takes the verb
יִרָוּ in its other signification of "binding" or "embracing," and translates, "The lips of the wise are bound (
δέδεται) with knowledge;"
i.e. knowledge is always on them and controls their movements. The wise know when to speak, when to be silent, and what to say.
But the heart of the foolish doeth not so;
i.e. doth not disperse knowledge. Vulgate,
cor stultorum dissimile erit, "will be unlike," which probably means the same as the Authorized Version. (Compare a similar use of the words
lo-ken in
Genesis 48:18;
Exodus 10:11.) But the contrast is stated rather weakly by this rendering, lips and heart having the same office to perform; hence it is better, with Delitzsch, Ewald, and others, to take
כֵן (
ken) as an adjective in the sense of "right" or "trustworthy," and either to supply the former verb, "disperseth that which is not right," or to render, "The heart of the foot is not directed right;" the fool goes astray, and leads himself and others into error. Septuagint, "The hearts of fools are not safe (
ἀσφαλεῖς)."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The lipsשִׂפְתֵ֣י(śip̄·ṯê)Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginof the wiseחֲ֭כָמִים(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450:Wisespreadיְזָ֣רוּ(yə·zā·rū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2219:To toss about, to diffuse, winnowknowledge,דָ֑עַת(ḏā·‘aṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847:Knowledgebut notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nosoכֵֽן׃(ḵên)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3651:So -- thusthe heartsוְלֵ֖ב(wə·lêḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreof fools.כְּסִילִ֣ים(kə·sî·lîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684:Stupid fellow, dullard, fool
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr) 
