Proverbs 10:14

KJV

¶ Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wise {H2450} men lay up {H6845} knowledge {H1847}: but the mouth {H6310} of the foolish {H191} is near {H7138} destruction {H4288}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:14 presents a stark dichotomy between the wise and the foolish, illustrating how their respective approaches to knowledge and communication determine their destinies. The verse asserts that those who are truly wise diligently acquire, preserve, and apply knowledge, thereby securing their well-being and future. In sharp contrast, the unrestrained and imprudent speech of the foolish inevitably leads them toward ruin, demonstrating the profound and often destructive power of an undisciplined tongue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10:14 is situated within the main body of the book of Proverbs (chapters 10-29), which is largely composed of independent, two-line sayings, primarily employing antithetical parallelism. This structure contrasts two opposing ideas, often highlighting the righteous versus the wicked, or, as in this verse, the wise versus the foolish. These individual proverbs are not arranged thematically in strict sequence but offer concise, memorable truths designed to be easily recalled and applied to various situations in life. This particular proverb stands as a self-contained unit, yet it resonates with the overarching emphasis on the power of speech and the value of wisdom found throughout the collection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerged from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which valued practical instruction for living a successful and flourishing life. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a moral and spiritual quality, deeply rooted in the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). Education often occurred within the family and community, where elders and sages imparted wisdom to younger generations. Oral communication was paramount, making the control and content of one's speech a critical indicator of character and a determinant of social standing and personal outcome. The contrast between the "wise" and "foolish" reflected societal archetypes, with the wise embodying prudence, foresight, and self-control, while the foolish represented impulsiveness, arrogance, and disregard for consequences.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several pervasive themes within Proverbs. It underscores **The Centrality of Wisdom and Knowledge**, presenting knowledge not as mere information but as a valuable asset to be "laid up," implying its careful acquisition, preservation, and strategic application. This aligns with the book's consistent call to pursue wisdom above all else, as seen in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"). Secondly, it highlights **The Power and Peril of Speech**, vividly illustrating how the words of the foolish are a direct conduit to their destruction. This theme is echoed throughout Proverbs, emphasizing that the tongue has the power of life and death ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Retribution and Consequences**, showing that one's internal character (wise or foolish) and external actions (especially speech) have predictable and often self-inflicted outcomes, demonstrating a moral order established by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This term refers to someone who is intelligent, skillful, and artful, possessing not just knowledge but the practical ability to apply it discerningly. In the context of Proverbs, a "wise" person is one who lives in accordance with God's established order, demonstrating prudence, foresight, and moral integrity. Their wisdom leads them to acquire and preserve what is valuable.
* **lay up (Hebrew, _tsâphan'_):** This verb signifies to "hide," "store up," "treasure," or "reserve." It implies a deliberate, careful, and protective act of acquisition and preservation. The wise do not merely encounter knowledge; they actively seek it out, value it as precious, and safeguard it for future use, suggesting preparedness and foresight.
* **foolish (Hebrew, _ʼĕvîyl'_):** This term describes someone who is silly or perverse, lacking moral and spiritual understanding. Unlike the naive or simple, the _ʼĕvîyl_ is often characterized by stubbornness, arrogance, and an unwillingness to learn from experience or instruction. Their folly is not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral defect that manifests in destructive behavior, particularly through their speech.
* **destruction (Hebrew, _mᵉchittâh'_):** This word denotes a "dissolution," "ruin," "consternation," or "terror." It speaks of a state of breaking down, collapse, or utter devastation. For the foolish, their uncontrolled and imprudent speech brings them to the brink of this ruin, serving as a direct path or cause of their downfall, whether social, financial, or personal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wise [men] lay up knowledge":** This clause describes the proactive and prudent nature of the wise. They are not passive recipients of information but active seekers and careful preservers of knowledge (_daʻath_). The act of "laying up" (_tsâphan_) implies valuing knowledge as a precious commodity, storing it away for future application, and using it as a foundation for sound judgment and action. This foresight leads to security and stability.
* **"but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction."**: This clause presents a stark contrast, highlighting the perilous state of the foolish. Their "mouth" (_peh_) is singled out as the instrument of their downfall, indicating that their words are impulsive, ill-considered, or even malicious. The phrase "near destruction" (_qârôwb mᵉchittâh_) suggests that their speech brings them to the very precipice of ruin or disaster, directly causing or accelerating their demise. Their lack of restraint and wisdom in speech is a direct pathway to their own undoing.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:14 is a quintessential example of **Antithetical Parallelism**, a primary literary device in the book of Proverbs. This structure presents two contrasting ideas or clauses, where the second line expresses the opposite of the first, thereby highlighting the difference between the wise and the foolish and their respective outcomes. The verse also employs **Metonymy** when it refers to "the mouth of the foolish." Here, "mouth" stands in for the speech or words that emanate from the foolish person, emphasizing that their destructive nature is primarily expressed through their communication. The entire proverb functions as a powerful **Contrast**, juxtaposing the positive, life-affirming behavior of the wise (laying up knowledge) with the negative, ruinous behavior of the foolish (reckless speech), underscoring the profound consequences of each.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on the transformative power of wisdom and the destructive potential of folly. Theologically, it underscores God's moral order, where choices have consequences, and character is revealed through action and word. The wise person, in laying up knowledge, aligns with God's design for human flourishing, recognizing that true understanding comes from Him ([Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom")). Conversely, the foolish person's mouth, leading to destruction, illustrates the self-destructive nature of living apart from divine wisdom and restraint. This proverb serves as a timeless call to cultivate discernment, discipline our tongues, and pursue a life marked by thoughtful, God-honoring communication.

* [Proverbs 13:3](/proverbs/13-3 "Proverbs 13:3 - Guarding the Mouth")
* [Proverbs 18:7](/proverbs/18-7 "Proverbs 18:7 - A Fool's Mouth is His Destruction")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:14 offers a profound challenge for contemporary living, urging us to consider the intentionality behind our pursuit of knowledge and the discipline of our speech. In an age saturated with information, the wise are those who not only acquire facts but discern truth, internalize understanding, and apply it with prudence. This involves a commitment to lifelong learning, particularly from God's Word, and a willingness to reflect deeply before acting or speaking. The proverb also serves as a stark warning about the unchecked power of the tongue. Our words, whether spoken or written in the digital realm, carry immense weight and can either build up or tear down, foster peace or incite conflict, lead to blessing or destruction. Therefore, cultivating self-control over our speech, practicing active listening, and choosing words seasoned with grace and wisdom are not merely good manners but essential spiritual disciplines for navigating life successfully and honoring God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I actively "laying up knowledge," and how am I ensuring that this knowledge is rooted in divine wisdom?**
* **How does my speech reflect my internal character? Am I prone to impulsive, destructive words, or do I speak with thoughtfulness and restraint?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to be more intentional about acquiring wisdom and more disciplined in my communication?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "wise men to lay up knowledge"?**

Answer: For "wise men to lay up knowledge" means they actively and intentionally acquire, store, and preserve understanding and insight. It's not just about accumulating facts, but about gaining practical wisdom and discernment that can be applied to life's situations. The Hebrew word for "lay up" (_tsâphan_) suggests treating knowledge as a precious treasure, carefully hidden or reserved for future use, implying foresight, preparedness, and a deep appreciation for its value. This contrasts sharply with the foolish, who often squander opportunities for learning and speak without forethought, leading to negative consequences, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord") where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

**How does the mouth of the foolish lead to destruction?**

Answer: The mouth of the foolish leads to destruction because their speech is typically impulsive, ill-considered, arrogant, or malicious, lacking the restraint and wisdom that comes from "laying up knowledge." Their words can cause conflict, spread gossip, reveal secrets, make rash promises, or utter blasphemies, all of which have detrimental consequences. The Hebrew term for "destruction" (_mᵉchittâh_) implies ruin, collapse, or terror, suggesting that the foolish person's uncontrolled speech brings them to the very brink of disaster, whether socially, financially, or personally. This idea is a recurring theme in Proverbs, emphasizing the immense power of the tongue, as also highlighted in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies divine wisdom and demonstrates the life-giving power of controlled speech. Unlike the foolish whose mouths are near destruction, Jesus is the very **Wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). He did not merely "lay up knowledge" but *is* the source of all knowledge and understanding ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). His words were never near destruction but always brought life, truth, and grace, speaking with unparalleled authority that astonished the crowds ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")). While the foolish speak recklessly to their ruin, Christ's words were the very words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). Furthermore, Jesus, the wise one, submitted to the ultimate destruction of the cross, not because of His own folly, but to deliver us from the destruction that our foolishness and sin would bring ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Through His sacrifice, He provides the true wisdom that leads to salvation, enabling believers, by His Spirit, to lay up spiritual knowledge and to speak words that build up rather than destroy, reflecting the character of Him who is Wisdom itself.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.