Proverbs 14:3

¶ In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

In the mouth {H6310} of the foolish {H191} is a rod {H2415} of pride {H1346}: but the lips {H8193} of the wise {H2450} shall preserve {H8104} them.

From the mouth of a fool sprouts pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

In the mouth of the foolish is a rod forhispride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Proverbs 14:3 (KJV) offers a sharp contrast between the destructive nature of foolish speech and the protective power of wise words. This verse highlights the profound impact our language has on our lives and relationships, serving as a foundational principle in the book of Proverbs.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often presented as antithetical couplets that contrast two ways of living: the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness. These proverbs aim to impart practical instruction for living a righteous and successful life, deeply rooted in the fear of the Lord. Chapter 14, in particular, frequently juxtaposes the characteristics and outcomes of the wise versus the foolish, emphasizing the importance of discernment in everyday conduct and speech.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Speech: This verse underscores that words are not neutral; they carry immense power. The mouth can be an instrument of harm or a source of preservation.
  • Pride vs. Humility: The "rod of pride" associated with the foolish points to arrogance as a root cause of destructive speech. Proud words often lead to conflict and downfall. In contrast, the wise, characterized by humility, use their words for good. For more on the dangers of pride, consider Proverbs 16:18.
  • Consequences of Words: Foolish, proud speech brings trouble upon the speaker, akin to being struck by a rod. Conversely, thoughtful and wise communication protects the speaker from harm and can even lead to flourishing. The wise understand that their tongue should use knowledge aright.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Rod of Pride": The Hebrew word for "rod" (shebet) can refer to a staff, scepter, or even a weapon for striking. Here, it's a powerful metaphor indicating that the foolish person's speech, driven by pride, acts like a weapon that inflicts harm, often on themselves. Their arrogant words become the instrument of their own undoing or cause them to stumble into conflict.
  • "Preserve Them": The Hebrew word for "preserve" (shamar) means to guard, keep, protect, or watch over. This suggests that the lips of the wise act as a safeguard, protecting them from danger, conflict, and negative consequences. Their careful, well-considered words help them navigate life safely and maintain peace. This concept of wisdom protecting aligns with Proverbs 4:6, which states wisdom will preserve you.

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:3 remains highly relevant today, urging us to be mindful of our words:

  1. Cultivate Humility: Recognize that pride is often at the root of harsh, boastful, or argumentative speech. A humble heart naturally leads to more gracious and constructive communication.
  2. Think Before You Speak: The foolish speak impulsively, allowing pride to dictate their words. The wise pause, consider the impact of their words, and choose them carefully. This aligns with the principle in Proverbs 29:11 about a fool uttering all his mind.
  3. Speak Life-Giving Words: Strive for communication that builds up, encourages, and brings peace, rather than words that tear down, boast, or provoke conflict. Your words have the power to protect you and foster positive relationships.
  4. Guard Your Lips: Just as the wise are preserved by their lips, we are called to guard our mouths against gossip, slander, boasting, and other forms of harmful speech that can bring trouble upon us.

In essence, this verse teaches that the way we speak is a direct reflection of our inner character, and it profoundly shapes our destiny.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 12:6

    ¶ The words of the wicked [are] to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

  • James 3:5

    Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

  • James 3:6

    And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

  • Proverbs 28:25

    ¶ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

  • Daniel 7:20

    And of the ten horns that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look [was] more stout than his fellows.

  • 2 Peter 2:18

    For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

  • Job 5:21

    Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

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