Proverbs 18:6 kjv

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 18:6 nkjv

A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.

Proverbs 18:6 niv

The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

Proverbs 18:6 esv

A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Proverbs 18:6 nlt

Fools' words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 6 Meaning

The unbridled and foolish speech of an imprudent person inevitably leads them into conflict and directly invites severe consequences, often involving physical or deeply painful retaliation. The verse highlights a clear progression from contentious words to harmful outcomes, demonstrating that irresponsible talk brings self-inflicted harm.

Proverbs 18 6 Context

Proverbs 18 is part of the "proverbs of Solomon" (Prov. 10:1 – 22:16) and falls within the broader genre of wisdom literature. This chapter particularly addresses themes related to the wise and the foolish, the consequences of speech, human relationships, and the nature of contention. Verse 6 stands as a clear warning about the self-destructive nature of a fool's words, directly connecting impulsive speech to discord and painful retaliation. It highlights the direct personal impact of an individual's words in an ancient society where verbal challenges could quickly escalate to physical conflict or legal disputes with harsh penalties. The historical and cultural context underscores the importance of guarding one's speech, as words were not merely abstract but carried tangible social weight and consequences.

Proverbs 18 6 Word analysis

• A fool's: The Hebrew word used here is אֱוִיל ('evil), distinct from other terms for "fool" like כְּסִיל (kesil). An ʼevil is not merely unintelligent but is morally perverse, rejecting wisdom and righteousness, often arrogant and presumptuous. They stubbornly disregard good counsel and God's principles, leading them to act defiantly and provocatively.
• lips: שְׂפָתָיו (sěphathav). This is a metonymy, where the part (lips) stands for the whole (the person's speech or communication). It emphasizes that it is through their very utterances and verbal expressions that a fool instigates trouble.
• enter into: יָבֹא (yavo'). This verb implies an active movement, a deliberate coming or entering. It suggests that the fool's lips aren't passively drawn into contention, but rather actively instigate or thrust themselves into dispute. It's the natural destination of their speech.
• contention: בְּרִיב (bĕriv). This refers to strife, dispute, argument, or a lawsuit. The preposition be- means "in" or "into," indicating that the lips are deeply engaged or immersed in this conflict. Foolish speech is inherently designed to create conflict.
• and his mouth: פִּיו (piv). This term reinforces "lips," adding a cumulative effect. While "lips" may denote specific verbal statements, "mouth" broadly encompasses the source of speech, emphasizing the totality of the fool's offensive communication. It serves as synonymous parallelism, intensifying the point.
• calls for: יִקְרָא (yiqra'). This verb means "to call, invite, summon." It's a strong word, implying that the foolish speech doesn't just result in blows but actively demands or brings them forth. The fool's words are a direct invitation for painful retribution.
• blows: מַכּוֹת (makkot). This is the plural of מַכָּה (makkah), meaning a blow, a stroke, a wound, a beating, or even a plague. It signifies physical violence, bodily harm, or very painful, impactful consequences beyond mere verbal disagreement. It suggests the ultimate, harsh culmination of their provocative speech.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• A fool's lips enter into contention: This phrase describes the inherent nature of a fool's communication. Their words are not constructive; they are fundamentally designed to provoke, irritate, and incite arguments. Their speech is characterized by being offensive, divisive, or quarrelsome.
• and his mouth calls for blows: This clause serves as a consequence or intensification of the first. The contentious nature of the fool's words escalates the situation, leading beyond mere verbal strife to direct and severe harm, often physical. It highlights the self-destructive nature of such speech, where the fool's own words are the catalyst for their painful demise or punishment. The progression from verbal dispute to physical injury or grave consequence is clear and inevitable.

Proverbs 18 6 Bonus section

The wisdom presented in Proverbs 18:6 underscores the principle of sowing and reaping; the words a fool sows (contention) lead to the harvest of makkot (blows/wounds). This verse strongly correlates foolishness with a lack of self-control, particularly over the tongue, a recurring theme throughout Proverbs. The 'evil (fool) is depicted as self-sufficient and resistant to external advice, a trait that directly contributes to their provocative speech and resultant downfall. This type of fool actively brings suffering upon themselves, highlighting a tragic self-inflicted judgment due to their moral folly rather than mere ignorance. The societal aspect is crucial; in ancient Israelite culture, words could challenge honor, ignite feuds, or instigate legal disputes that could lead to physical penalties, underscoring the literal nature of "blows."

Proverbs 18 6 Commentary

Proverbs 18:6 offers a sharp and vivid illustration of the destructive power of the fool's tongue. The central message is that unrestrained and ill-considered speech, characteristic of those who reject wisdom, will inevitably lead to conflict and painful, often physical, repercussions. The evil (fool) is morally perverse, unwilling to heed counsel, and their words naturally lead them into contentious situations. These contentions are not benign; they escalate, with their very "mouth calling for blows." This imagery depicts a direct cause-and-effect: the fool's provocative speech invites severe retaliation or painful consequences. It serves as a sober warning that words are not inconsequential but carry real weight, shaping one's destiny. For practical application, one might consider: (1) Think before speaking, especially when emotions are high. (2) Avoid gossiping or slandering, which stir up conflict. (3) Choose conciliatory words over confrontational ones to prevent escalation.