King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Wise people hide their knowledge, but when a fool speaks, ruin is imminent.
Berean Standard Bible:
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.
American Standard Version:
Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Wise{H2450} men lay up{H6845} knowledge{H1847}: but the mouth{H6310} of the foolish{H191} is near{H7138} destruction{H4288}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 18:7
- A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.
Proverbs 10:8
- ¶ The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Proverbs 13:3
- ¶ He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 10:10
- ¶ He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
Proverbs 9:9
- Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.
Matthew 12:35
- A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Matthew 13:44
- ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
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Commentary for Proverbs 10:14
Proverbs 10:14 is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, which includes the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. This literature is characterized by its focus on practical life lessons and the pursuit of wisdom. The book of Proverbs itself is a collection of sayings attributed to Solomon, the third king of Israel, and other wise figures, and was likely compiled around the 10th century BCE.
The verse reads: "Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction." This proverb contrasts the behaviors and fates of the wise and the foolish. The wise are depicted as those who accumulate and treasure knowledge, suggesting that they are diligent in learning and careful in speech. The act of "laying up knowledge" implies a deliberate effort to gather and retain wisdom, which was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture, as it is essential for making prudent decisions and navigating life's challenges.
On the other hand, the verse describes the foolish as being on the brink of disaster due to their words. The phrase "mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction" indicates that their speech is reckless, lacking in discretion, and likely to lead to negative consequences. In the historical context, such consequences could include social ostracism, legal trouble, or even physical danger, as one's words could easily provoke conflict or offend powerful individuals.
The themes of this verse are timeless, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and careful speech in avoiding calamity. It reflects the value placed on knowledge and self-control in the Israelite community and offers a succinct piece of advice that resonates across cultures and eras: wisdom and discretion lead to life and prosperity, while folly and careless speech can lead to ruin.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2450
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָכָם
Transliteration: châkâm
Pronunciation: khaw-kawm'
Description: from חָכַם; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful); cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). - Strong's Number: H6845
There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צָפַן
Transliteration: tsâphan
Pronunciation: tsaw-fan'
Description: a primitive root; to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk; esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). - Strong's Number: H1847
There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דַּעַת
Transliteration: daʻath
Pronunciation: dah'-ath
Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). - Strong's Number: H6310
There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֶּה
Transliteration: peh
Pronunciation: peh
Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. - Strong's Number: H191
There are 51 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֱוִיל
Transliteration: ʼĕvîyl
Pronunciation: ev-eel'
Description: from an unused root (meaning to be perverse); (figuratively) silly; fool(-ish) (man). - Strong's Number: H7138
There are 76 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרוֹב
Transliteration: qârôwb
Pronunciation: kaw-robe'
Description: or קָרֹב; from קָרַב; near (in place, kindred or time); allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). - Strong's Number: H4288
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְחִתָּה
Transliteration: mᵉchittâh
Pronunciation: mekh-it-taw'
Description: from חָתָה; properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation; destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror.