Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a ruler—establishing that certain kinds of speech are inappropriate to certain stations, and that the fool and the ruler are inversely positioned regarding speech's propriety. The fool has no business speaking eloquently since folly contradicts whatever eloquence might suggest, making fine speech incongruous with foolishness. The ruler's speaking falsely is even worse because his speech carries the weight of authority and shapes the community. This verse emphasizes that wisdom involves understanding not merely what is true but what is appropriate to one's station and the speech befitting one's role.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse