Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 

Refined and noble speech is out of place on the lips of a fool, just as deceit is a disgrace to a ruler. A fool may mimic the language of wisdom, but it does not suit him; it rings hollow and false, like fine garments worn by a beggar with no understanding of their worth. Even more inappropriate is falsehood in the mouth of a prince, for a ruler is called to lead with truth, justice, and integrity. When he lies, he corrupts the very office he holds.

The Hebrew word for “fool” here is nabal, which denotes someone who is morally senseless, irreverent, or corrupt, a person who despises wisdom and the fear of the Lord (Ps. 14:1). Such a man may attempt to speak with elegance, but wisdom does not dwell within him. His words lack the weight of truth and are often used to manipulate, impress, or deceive rather than to edify or enlighten.

Fools may wear the mask of eloquence, but their hearts remain unchanged. Their speech is out of harmony with their nature.

If foolishness and falsehood are shameful in any man, they are doubly so in a leader, a prince or a ruler. A prince, entrusted with authority and the well-being of others, must walk in truth and righteousness (2Sam. 23:3). When he lies, he not only sins personally but betrays the trust of the people he governs (14:5; 25:5).

A ruler who lies dishonours both his people and his Maker. Truth is the foundation of justice, and without it, leadership collapses into tyranny or chaos.

Noble words belong to those of a noble heart. To see a fool speak with elegance is as unsettling as seeing a prince speak lies; it violates the order of wisdom and undermines integrity. Let us seek not only refined speech, but hearts refined by truth and righteousness, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).