King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Wise-hearted people take orders, but a babbling fool will have trouble.
Berean Standard Bible:
A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.
American Standard Version:
The wise in heart will receive commandments; But a prating fool shall fall.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The wise{H2450} in heart{H3820} will receive{H3947} commandments{H4687}: but a prating{H8193} fool{H191} shall fall{H3832}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Matthew 7:24
- Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Matthew 7:25
- And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Proverbs 12:1
- ¶ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.
Proverbs 18:6
- ¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Proverbs 18:7
- A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.
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.
Proverbs 1:5
- A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
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Commentary for Proverbs 10:8
Proverbs 10:8 is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, which includes the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. These writings are collections of sayings and teachings that reflect the wisdom and philosophy of ancient Israel. The book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, is a compilation of pithy statements intended to guide individuals in living a life that is both morally upright and practically sensible.
The verse itself contrasts two types of individuals: the "wise in heart" and the "prating fool." The "wise in heart" refers to those who possess understanding and discernment, qualities highly valued in Hebrew wisdom tradition. Such individuals are receptive to instruction and willing to follow wise teachings or commandments, which in the context of Proverbs are often understood as divine guidance or Torah (the Law of Moses). The verse suggests that wisdom and the willingness to adhere to commandments are interconnected, implying that true wisdom involves both intellectual understanding and practical obedience to ethical and religious principles.
In contrast, the "prating fool" is characterized by excessive and empty talk without depth or insight. The term "prating" suggests chatter that is useless or even harmful. Unlike the wise, who listen and receive commandments, the fool is too preoccupied with their own speech to heed wisdom. The consequence of such folly, according to the verse, is a fall, which can be interpreted both metaphorically as moral or social downfall and literally as practical failure in life.
Historically, this proverb would have been relevant in the context of ancient Israelite society, where oral instruction and adherence to the Torah were central to the community's identity and well-being. The verse reflects the value placed on wisdom and obedience to divine law, which were seen as essential for individual success and communal flourishing. It also underscores the timeless principle that those who are humble and teachable are more likely to prosper, while those who are arrogant and dismissive of wisdom are destined for misfortune.
*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: H3820
There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵב
Transliteration: lêb
Pronunciation: labe
Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. - Strong's Number: H3947
There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָקַח
Transliteration: lâqach
Pronunciation: law-kakh'
Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. - Strong's Number: H4687
There are 177 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִצְוָה
Transliteration: mitsvâh
Pronunciation: mits-vaw'
Description: from צָוָה; a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law); (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. - Strong's Number: H8193
There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂפָה
Transliteration: sâphâh
Pronunciation: saw-faw'
Description: or (in dual and plural) שֶׂפֶת; probably from סָפָה or שָׁפָה through the idea of termination (compare סוֹף); the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.); band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. - 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: H3832
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָבַט
Transliteration: lâbaṭ
Pronunciation: law-bat'
Description: a primitive root; to overthrow; intransposed, to fall; fall.