Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Don't bother speaking to a fool, because they will only despise the wisdom in your words.
The writer is warning us not to waste our time trying to share wise advice with people who are determined to reject it.
📚 Historical Context
Proverbs was written in ancient Israel as part of the wisdom literature attributed to King Solomon, aimed at teaching practical and moral guidance for daily life. In this verse, the term "fool" describes someone who consistently rejects divine wisdom and lives in rebellion against God's ways, reflecting a cultural emphasis on discerning speech to avoid wasted efforts. This advice fits into the broader biblical narrative of pursuing wisdom amidst a world full of folly.
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