KJV ORIGINAL
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Fine or eloquent speech doesn't fit a fool, and lying lips are even less fitting for a ruler.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is saying that just as foolish people shouldn't try to sound wise, leaders especially shouldn't be dishonest.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb was written during a time when kings and rulers held absolute power over their people's lives and welfare. In ancient Israel, a leader's character and truthfulness were seen as essential to the nation's wellbeing. The wisdom literature of Proverbs often contrasted the behavior expected of different social roles, emphasizing that those in higher positions bore greater responsibility for integrity.
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