Proverbs 14:3 kjv
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
Proverbs 14:3 nkjv
In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.
Proverbs 14:3 niv
A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 14:3 esv
By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
Proverbs 14:3 nlt
A fool's proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
but the words of the wise keep them safe.
Proverbs 14 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 10:14 | The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. | Foolish speech leads to destruction. |
| Prov 10:32 | The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, perversity. | Contrast between wise and wicked speech. |
| Prov 13:3 | Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. | Protecting life through guarded speech. |
| Prov 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools pours out folly. | Wise speech imparts knowledge, foolish, folly. |
| Prov 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Pride as a precursor to ruin. |
| Prov 18:6 | A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites blows. | Foolish words lead to conflict and punishment. |
| Prov 18:7 | A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. | Mouth is a self-destructive trap for the fool. |
| Prov 21:23 | Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble. | Self-preservation through watchful speech. |
| Prov 29:11 | A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. | Wise self-control vs. foolish impulsiveness. |
| Ps 141:3 | Set a guard, O Yahweh, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! | Prayer for divine help in guarding speech. |
| Isa 58:8 | Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear... the glory of Yahweh will be your rear guard. | Divine protection for righteous living. |
| Eccl 10:12 | The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. | Wise speech brings favor, foolish self-destruction. |
| Matt 12:36-37 | I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak... By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. | Accountability for every word spoken. |
| Matt 15:18 | But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. | Speech reveals and defiles the heart. |
| Jas 1:26 | If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. | The necessity of controlling the tongue for true piety. |
| Jas 3:2 | For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. | Control of the tongue as a sign of maturity. |
| Jas 4:6 | But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” | God's opposition to pride. |
| Rom 10:9-10 | Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord... you will be saved. For with the heart one believes... and with the mouth one confesses... | Confession with the mouth linked to salvation. |
| Eph 4:29 | Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. | Speech should be edifying and gracious. |
| Col 4:6 | Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. | Speech should be gracious and wise. |
Proverbs 14 verses
Proverbs 14 3 Meaning
Proverbs 14:3 conveys that the unrestrained, proud speech of a fool ultimately leads to their downfall and punishment. In stark contrast, the controlled and discerning words spoken by the wise serve as a protective shield, safeguarding them from harm. The verse highlights that one's spoken words are direct reflections of their heart and have profound, tangible consequences.
Proverbs 14 3 Context
Proverbs chapter 14 belongs to the section of Solomonic proverbs (Prov 10:1-22:16), which presents individual, often contrasting, two-line statements about wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. The chapter elaborates on the practical manifestations of wisdom versus folly in various aspects of daily life, including the home, work, community, and personal conduct. Verse 3 specifically focuses on the power and consequences of speech, contrasting the self-destructive nature of the fool's proud words with the protective wisdom of the righteous's measured language. The broader cultural context reflects ancient Israel's emphasis on communal living, where reputation and social harmony were significantly shaped by one's words. Speaking wisely was essential for maintaining order and respect within the family and community, while foolish speech often led to societal breakdown or personal ostracism.
Proverbs 14 3 Word analysis
- In the mouth (בְּפִי, bep̱î): Refers to the origin and expression of words. It signifies what is openly declared and issues forth from a person's inner being, representing not just speech but the very nature of the speaker.
- of the fool (אֱוִיל, ʾĕwîl): This specific Hebrew term for "fool" (ʾĕwîl) denotes someone characterized by stubborn obstinacy and insolent disregard for wisdom, often self-willed and arrogant. This type of fool does not merely lack understanding but actively despises it and acts defiantly, typically exhibiting open pride and foolish behavior that is loud and obvious.
- is a rod (מַטֵּה, maṭṭeh): Can mean a staff, a scepter (symbol of authority), or a rod for striking. Here, it is understood as an instrument of violence, punishment, or destruction. The imagery suggests the fool’s words become the instrument that strikes him or others, bringing negative consequences.
- of pride (גַּאֲוָה, gaʾăwāh): Arrogance, haughtiness, exaltation. This is the underlying motive and source of the fool’s destructive speech. Pride blinds the fool, leading them to speak carelessly or with presumption, ultimately resulting in their harm.
- but the lips (וְשִׂפְתֵי, wĕsiptê): Used here in contrast to "mouth," implying the more refined, controlled, and discerning utterance that comes from the inner character, not mere impulsiveness.
- of the wise (חֲכָמִים, ḥăḵāmîm): Those who possess practical wisdom, discernment, and knowledge rooted in the fear of the Lord. They are skilled in the art of living according to divine principles.
- will preserve them (תִּשְׁמְרֵם, tišmerem): To guard, protect, keep safe. The words of the wise act as a defense, shielding them from the negative consequences and harm that come to the fool. It signifies that their speech creates safety and security, rather than inviting trouble.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- In the mouth of the fool is a rod of pride: This phrase paints a vivid picture of the fool's character and the nature of their speech. Their proud disposition manifests in their words, which are likened to a weapon, implying their speech is inherently aggressive, divisive, or brings judgment. This "rod" is self-inflicted punishment or invites discipline upon the fool because their arrogance in speech precipitates conflict and ruin.
- but the lips of the wise will preserve them: This segment stands in stark contrast. It highlights that the words of the wise are not weapons but rather tools of preservation. Their humility, discernment, and adherence to truth lead them to speak in ways that secure their well-being, protect their reputation, and foster peace, ensuring their safety and stability in life.
Proverbs 14 3 Bonus section
The imagery of the "rod" (מַטֶּה, maṭṭeh) is particularly potent. Beyond a weapon, it can also symbolize a staff of support, a scepter of authority, or a shepherd's rod for guiding or chastening. In the context of the fool, it represents a twisted form of power or self-assertion that leads to self-harm. The fool's very instrument of expressing their inflated ego turns into their chastisement. This underlines the theme of poetic justice often found in Proverbs, where consequences are intrinsically linked to actions, especially through speech. The fool, by relying on their own haughty words, ultimately invites the judgment that those words reflect and deserve.
Proverbs 14 3 Commentary
Proverbs 14:3 vividly illustrates the profound difference between the wise and the foolish, particularly through their speech. The "rod of pride" in the fool's mouth signifies that their arrogant, unchecked words become the very instrument of their downfall. This "rod" can bring them physical harm (e.g., getting into fights), social ostracism, or spiritual condemnation, directly resulting from their unchecked presumption and disrespect for truth. Their speech is characterized by insolence and self-importance, ultimately leading to self-inflicted wounds.
Conversely, the "lips of the wise" are a source of preservation. The wise person, characterized by humility, thoughtfulness, and a fear of the Lord, weighs their words carefully. Their speech is marked by discretion, truth, and grace, which builds up rather than tears down, deflecting potential dangers and creating a secure environment for themselves. Their words align with God's wisdom, and therefore, His protection extends over them. The verse implicitly teaches that speech is never neutral; it is a powerful force that reflects the heart's true condition and directly determines one's destiny.
Examples:
- A fool might boastfully claim to know better than authorities, leading to their arrest (rod of pride).
- A wise person might carefully choose words in a tense negotiation, de-escalating conflict and ensuring peace (lips preserve them).