The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

PROVERBS 15:7KJV
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Proverbs 15:7 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:7 mean?

Proverbs 15:7 says that wise people share helpful knowledge with others, while foolish people do not. The verse contrasts how wisdom leads to spreading understanding, but foolishness keeps it from being shared.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking practical guidance for life. The verse uses the image of "lips" and "heart" to show that wisdom is not just about what someone knows, but about their willingness and ability to communicate it. The focus is on the difference between those who benefit others with their insight and those who, lacking wisdom, have nothing worthwhile to offer.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:7

  • "lips" (שָׂפָה, saphah; H8193): This word points to speech or what someone says, emphasizing that wisdom is meant to be spoken and shared, not just kept inside.
  • "disperse" (זָרָה, zarah; H2219): This word often means to scatter or spread widely, suggesting that wise people do not hoard knowledge but actively distribute it to help others.
  • "knowledge" (דַּעַת, daʿat; H1847): This is practical understanding or insight, not just information. The verse highlights that what is shared is truly valuable and useful.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev; H3820): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of thinking and decision-making, not just feelings. The verse contrasts the wise person's outward sharing with the foolish person's inner emptiness or unwillingness.

Why Proverbs 15:7 matters

  • Proverbs 15:7 clarifies that wisdom is not just for personal benefit; it is meant to be shared for the good of others, challenging the idea that wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.
  • The verse highlights a practical test of wisdom: whether someone’s words actually help others understand and live better.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying fits a pattern of contrasting wise and foolish behavior, helping readers see the real-life impact of their choices and attitudes.

Where else these words appear

“disperse” Hebrew H2219 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 32:20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
  • Isaiah 30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.
  • Ezekiel 6:5 And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.

“foolish” Hebrew H3684 · used in 69 verses

  • Psalms 49:10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
  • Proverbs 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
  • Proverbs 26:10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

“knowledge” Hebrew H1847 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.