Proverbs 14:7

Go from His Presence

1. In this passage, Solomon begins with an imperative—a command—something that we haven’t seen much of in the book of Proverbs.

2. This is a great passage for our young people and students to hear… and also for those who are in the business world and making associates there… and for the housewife making friends in the neighborhood… and for the elders in a local church.

3. In other words—this proverb is for everybody—because everyone one of us can be hoodwinked by a foolish person from time to time.

7a Go from the presence of a foolish man…

1. The Fool

a. Fool: kesi^l – Strong’s: fool; stupid fellow; dullard; simpleton; arrogant one.

b. Dict. Of Bib. Lang. = insolent person, i.e., one completely lacking understanding; implying to be a rebel against standard or person. (Pr 10:18)

c. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament: referring not to mental deficiency, but to a propensity to make wrong choices.

2. Folly

a. kesi^l refers to a way of life that is enticing to the immature, but can lead to destruction and ruin.

b. Prov. 10:23 – the fool ENJOYS his folly… it is a sport to him.

c. Folly is especially enticing to young people because they have not the foresight or experience to know its END.

d. Prov. 1:32 – the end of his road is destruction.

3. The particular KIND of folly mentioned in 14:7

a. A lack of knowledge in his lips.

b. Prov. 17:24 – his folly is seen in that he does not seek wisdom… he seems unable to see it… he is blind.

c. Prov. 17:16 – even if he did see it, he doesn’t WANT wisdom! He prefers his folly.

d. Prov. 13:19 – he doesn’t WANT to depart from his folly.

e. Prov. 18:2 – he takes no delight in wisdom or understanding. Hence, pointing out his folly isn’t likely to help… because he isn’t likely to listen.

f. Prov. 1:22 – he HATES knowledge!

g. Solomon describes well the HEART of a fool in Proverbs.

h. Prov. 14:7 states that eventually that which is in the heart of a fool will manifest itself on his lips… in the things he says… in the ideas that pop into his mind… the “fun” things he talks about…

4. GO from his presence!

a. Go = go; go away from; walk; walk away; depart.

b. Don’t associate with that person any more!

c. Prov. 13:20 – not only is the fool headed for destruction and trouble—but so are his associates!

d. Hence—don’t BE one of his associates! Go from his presence. Avoid that person.

e. Sometimes it is impossible to depart from such a person altogether.
i. He might work in the office with you… he might be your boss!
ii. He might live next door to you.
iii. He might be a classmate.
iv. It may be impossible to depart altogether, but avoid contact when possible and don’t become a close associate of that person.
v. Be kind and polite—but GO!

5. Go because…

a. Go because he’s headed for destruction… and so are his followers.

b. Go because you are but a trophy to the fool… gratifying to his ego and pride… that he has someone like you as an associate… most wise people have nothing to do with him!

c. Go because there is no point in trying to reason with him. Fools don’t listen to reason. It is a waste of time. Just leave.

d. Go because he is a bad influence in your life… evil communications corrupt good manners.

e. Go because God said so!

f. Go because there is BLESSEDNESS in NOT walking with such an ungodly person (Psalm 1:1).

g. Go because in some instances, your LIFE may depend upon it! (Prov. 9:6 – if he drinks and drives; if he takes drugs; etc.)

6. Some might be reluctant to GO from his presence.

a. How is he ever going to learn?

b. The problem: he is a fool. He refuses to learn!

c. And if enough people depart from him… that might make him start to think that something is wrong and needs changing.

d. Separating from that person might be the best thing in the world for him or her! They may not learn any other way.

7b When thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

1. This implies that a fool’s folly is not always known immediately.

a. A fool’s folly might be hidden away in his heart LONG before he talks to you about it.

b. Some fools are adept at disguising their folly. (Prov. 10:18)

c. But if this person is a fool—sooner or later that folly will be manifested in his speech… in the things he talks about… in his lack of wisdom or even disdain for wisdom and for spiritual things.

d. Remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

e. Sooner or later a person who has no fear of the Lord will make it known one way or another… by what he says.

2. This also implies that the person being addressed here was ALREADY in the presence of a fool… and is being commanded to leave.

a. You may not know at first. It may be well hidden.

b. But gradually, a fool’s folly is revealed.

c. I Tim. 6:5 – Look for the following: “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

d. II Tim. 3:5 – some have only an outward FORM of godliness but deny the power thereof—no life—avoid them! That is not a good Christian friend. The outward form may fool you for a while…

e. There are LOTS of things to look for… be alert when meeting new people… listen… look… not everyone who SAYS they are a Christian IS a Christian.

3. When thou perceivest:

a. Perceivest: to know. Learn; to perceive; find out and discern. to discriminate, distinguish; to know by experience; to recognize.

b. Knowledge: wisdom; perception; discernment; understanding.

c. A fool’s folly—or his lack of understanding, isn’t always perceived by onlookers at the first meeting.

d. Fools don’t normally introduce themselves as such.
i. They don’t say, “Glad to meet you. I’m your local fool.”
ii. I hate wisdom; I despise authority; I’m immoral; I refuse correction, and I am headed for trouble. What’s your name?”
iii. Unfortunately, too often, fools are not even discerning enough to know that they are fools. They think everybody else is a fool!
iv. Therein lies their arrogance, pride, and thus their blindness… his or her inability to perceive things as they really are.

e. Since they don’t introduce themselves as fools, they often hoodwink others… for a while.
i. But eventually their folly will be manifested in their lips.
ii. They just can’t keep it in forever.

f. WHEN you perceive it… then it’s time to depart… to go from his presence.
i. If we associate with a fool ignorantly, at first, it is his fault.
ii. But once we PERCEIVE him to be a fool and we continue to associate with him, then it becomes OUR fault.
iii. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me! Shame on me because no more can I claim ignorance!
iv. If I perceive the folly and continue that association… and I too get in trouble… then I have only myself to blame.

4. Prov. 15:20 – if you perceive that he has no respect for his parents… if he despises his mother… be suspect.

a. Any person who does not respect authority should be avoided! He or she is TROUBLE.

b. One could make an application not just to children and their parents, but to anyone who is rebellious… and speaks evil of authorities… police… boss at work… leaders in the local church…

c. A fool has no respect for authority because they have no respect for God—the ultimate Authority.

5. In a round about way, this passage teaches us HOW to identify those who would make good friends:

a. They have the words of knowledge… wisdom… understanding… and discernment.

b. They speak of GOOD things…

c. There is a fear of God in their lives that manifests itself in their speech and in their deeds….

d. They seek company of others who are wise and godly… and whose lips are filled with good things… godly things… discernment.