Proverbs 17:7

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them. 

Proverbs 17:7 (NASV)

Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool,

Much less are lying lips to a prince.

Proverbs 17:7 (NIV)

Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool–

how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

If we were say this in today's vernacular we might say, "Fools won't use good speech any more than rulers should lie."     When we observe fools we wouldn't expect to hear lofty and eloquent speech.   The same should be said about rulers or leaders in our midst.   If we observe them we should not observe that they are liars.   Leadership, if it is Godly leadership, will maintain truth.   It would be natural.   Solomon is telling us that the most natural thing about a ruler, who has been put into position by God, is that they speak the truth.   The most natural thing about a fool is that their speech is not eloquent or excellent.   The nature of the fool is to speak foolish.  The nature of the leader is to speak the truth.   Solomon is pointing out what we need know about those who surround us .. or, what we should know.    What Solomon is telling us is, "What's in the well should and does come up in the bucket."   Fools produce corrupt speach and rulers talk of truth.