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Where Knowledge is Not to Be Found

Proverbs 14:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁷Leave the presence of a foolish man,
for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

The wise king Solomon informs us of where knowledge is not to be discovered: “the stupid man.” He tells us that there is no “knowledge on his lips.” A stupid person does not possess true knowledge.

Leave the presence of a foolish man: The Hebrew here is in the imperative mood, so it is not a suggestion or even an exhortation. It is clearly a command to leave the presence of, get away from, clear off from, depart from. The person who is to be avoided at all costs is (כְּסִיל kesil) a foolish man or a man of foolishness, which has the sense of ungodliness.

for you will not find knowledge on his lips: This stupid one hates knowledge, as he lacks good judgment. His character is stupidity, and rudeness, that is, one who completely lacks understanding, who is rebellious in his ways, ungodly. – Prov. 1:22

Many kinds of harm can come to a person who attempts to build a close friendship with a foolish man: mental, emotional, spiritual, and even physical. The primary reason is that such a foolish friend has not one thing that he will add to your life that will be beneficial. He lacks knowledge, wisdom, insight, and discernment, so you will fill that void for him and pick up after him as he stumbles through life. We will discover that there are no virtues in his life. What comes out of his lips will be corrupt and corrupting. He will never enlighten you or inform you because there is nothing good in him. We must avoid any such a friendship, for there is no good to be gained by his presence but rather the likelihood of getting hurt by it. Therefore, it is best to obey the above command and stay clear of such a man of foolishness.