Proverbs 23:9 - Compare All Versions

Proverbs 23:9 MSG (The Message)

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

Proverbs 23:9 KJV (King James Version)

Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Proverbs 23:9 NASB1995 (New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995)

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

Proverbs 23:9 NCV (New Century Version)

Don’t speak to fools; they will only ignore your wise words.

Proverbs 23:9 ASV (American Standard Version)

Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Proverbs 23:9 NIV (New International Version)

Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.

Proverbs 23:9 NKJV (New King James Version)

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

Proverbs 23:9 AMP (Amplified Bible)

¶Do not speak in the ears of a fool, For he will despise the [godly] wisdom of your words. [Is 32:6]

Proverbs 23:9 NLT (New Living Translation)

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

Proverbs 23:9 TPT (The Passion Translation)

A rebellious fool will despise your wise advice, so don’t even waste your time—save your breath!

Proverbs 23:9 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.