Proverbs 18:7

KJV

A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

A fool's {H3684} mouth {H6310} is his destruction {H4288}, and his lips {H8193} are the snare {H4170} of his soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A fool's mouth is his ruin; his words are a trap for him.

Berean Standard Bible

A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

American Standard Version

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:7 powerfully illustrates the self-destructive nature of foolish speech, declaring that the words emanating from a fool's mouth directly lead to their ruin and that their very lips become a trap for their soul. This proverb underscores a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: the profound and often irreversible consequences that imprudent, arrogant, or malicious words inflict upon the speaker, highlighting the critical importance of discretion and self-control over the tongue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18 is part of the "Proverbs of Solomon," a collection of wisdom sayings that often juxtapose the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This chapter, in particular, focuses heavily on the power and consequences of speech, the dangers of isolation, and the importance of seeking counsel. Verses like [Proverbs 18:4](/proverbs/18-4 "Proverbs 18:4 - Words of Wisdom") speak of "deep waters" and "a flowing brook," perhaps hinting at the depth and impact of words. Immediately following [Proverbs 18:7](/proverbs/18-7 "Proverbs 18:7 - The Fool's Mouth"), [Proverbs 18:8](/proverbs/18-8 "Proverbs 18:8 - Words of a Whisperer") discusses the "words of a whisperer" as "wounds," further emphasizing the destructive potential of the tongue. The proverb thus fits seamlessly into a broader discourse on the profound moral and practical implications of verbal conduct.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, speech was not merely a means of communication but often carried significant weight, seen as an extension of one's character and inner being. Words could bind contracts, declare blessings or curses, and establish one's reputation. A person's "name" (reputation) was intrinsically linked to their words and actions. The concept of the "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) in Proverbs is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but often a morally deficient individual who rejects wisdom, scorns instruction, and acts impulsively. Such a person's unbridled tongue would have been seen as a clear indicator of their flawed character, leading to social ostracization, legal trouble, or a loss of trust within the community. The proverb reflects a societal understanding where words had tangible, often immediate, consequences.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 18:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **power of words**, emphasizing that speech is not neutral but possesses the capacity for both immense good and profound harm, as seen in [Proverbs 15:4](/proverbs/15-4 "Proverbs 15:4 - A Wholesome Tongue"). Secondly, it underscores the stark **contrast between wisdom and folly**, portraying the fool as inherently self-destructive due to their lack of discretion and self-control, a theme pervasive throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). Thirdly, the proverb speaks to the theme of **personal responsibility and consequences**, illustrating how one's own actions—specifically one's words—directly shape one's destiny. Finally, it implicitly calls for **self-control and discretion**, presenting the disciplined tongue as a hallmark of wisdom and a safeguard against ruin, echoing the wisdom found in [ProProverbs 13:3](/proverbs/13-3 "Proverbs 13:3 - Guarding the Mouth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From the root meaning "fat," this term figuratively describes someone as "stupid" or "silly." In Proverbs, *kᵉçîyl* denotes more than mere intellectual deficiency; it refers to a morally stubborn individual who is resistant to instruction, lacks moral discernment, and acts impulsively without considering the consequences, often leading to self-inflicted harm.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _mᵉchittâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to dissolve," this word signifies a "ruin," "consternation," or "dismaying." It emphasizes the devastating, often irreversible, and self-generated nature of the harm that the fool's words bring upon themselves. It implies a complete breakdown or undoing.
* **Snare (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_):** This term refers to a "noose" or "trap" used for catching animals. It powerfully illustrates how the fool's own words become the very instrument that captures and ensnares them, leading them into inescapable trouble, peril, or exposure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A fool's mouth is his destruction":** This clause asserts a direct causal link between the speech of a foolish person and their downfall. The "mouth" (Hebrew: *peh*) represents not just the physical organ but the source of all verbal output—their pronouncements, boasts, lies, insults, and imprudent utterances. These words, born of folly, actively work against the speaker, leading to social ostracization, loss of reputation, strained relationships, financial ruin, or even legal repercussions. The fool's words do not merely cause trouble; they *are* the very mechanism of their undoing.
* **"and his lips are the snare of his soul":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first through synonymous parallelism. "Lips" (Hebrew: *sâphâh*) are a synecdoche for speech, emphasizing the specific words articulated. The "snare" (Hebrew: *môwqêsh*) vividly portrays how the fool's own words become a trap, a self-laid pitfall. "Soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*) here refers to the entirety of the person—their life, vitality, inner being, and well-being. Thus, the fool's unbridled speech does not just cause external problems but ensnares their very essence, leading them into self-inflicted bondage, regret, and spiritual peril.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "mouth" and "lips" refer to speech, and "destruction" and "snare of his soul" both describe the ruinous outcome. This repetition reinforces the central idea from two slightly different angles, adding emphasis and clarity. The proverb also utilizes **Metaphor**, comparing the fool's lips to a "snare," vividly illustrating how their words, like a hunter's trap, capture and bind them. Furthermore, there is an element of **Personification** as the mouth and lips are depicted as active agents of destruction and ensnarement, rather than passive instruments. This active portrayal underscores the direct and intentional nature of the self-inflicted harm caused by foolish speech.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb serves as a profound theological statement on the moral weight and spiritual consequences of human speech. It reveals that words are not morally neutral; they are extensions of the heart and indicators of one's spiritual condition. For the fool, whose heart is devoid of wisdom, their words become instruments of self-destruction, demonstrating that true wisdom involves not just knowing what to say, but also knowing what *not* to say, and when to remain silent. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God holds individuals accountable for their words, as they reflect the inner person and have tangible effects in the world.

* [Proverbs 13:3](/proverbs/13-3 "Proverbs 13:3 - Guarding the Mouth") - "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."
* [Proverbs 21:23](/proverbs/21-23 "Proverbs 21:23 - Guarding the Mouth and Tongue") - "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."
* [James 3:6](/james/3-6 "James 3:6 - The Destructive Power of the Tongue") - "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 18:7 offers a timeless and urgent call to cultivate intentionality and discipline in our speech. In a world saturated with instant communication, where words can be broadcast globally in a moment, the potential for one's mouth to become a "snare" is greater than ever. This proverb challenges us to recognize that our words carry immense power—power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse, to reveal wisdom or expose folly. It urges us to pause, reflect, and seek divine wisdom before speaking, understanding that every utterance contributes to the narrative of our lives and shapes our destiny. Cultivating a disciplined tongue is not merely about avoiding trouble; it is a spiritual discipline that reflects a heart submitted to God's wisdom, protecting our integrity, fostering healthy relationships, and preventing self-inflicted harm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have my own words, or the words of others, led to "destruction" or become a "snare"?**
* **How does the prevalence of social media and instant communication amplify the dangers warned against in this proverb?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater self-control and wisdom in my daily speech?**
* **How does my speech reflect the condition of my heart, and what might God be revealing to me about my inner life through my words?**

### FAQ
**What does "a fool" mean in the context of Proverbs?**

Answer: In Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) is not simply someone lacking intelligence or education. More profoundly, a fool is a person who is morally deficient, stubborn, resistant to instruction, and who consistently chooses a path contrary to God's wisdom. They are often characterized by impulsiveness, arrogance, and a disregard for consequences. Their folly is a moral and spiritual failing, not just an intellectual one, and it manifests clearly in their undisciplined and destructive speech, as highlighted in [Proverbs 18:7](/proverbs/18-7 "Proverbs 18:7 - The Fool's Mouth").

**How exactly does a fool's mouth become "his destruction" or "the snare of his soul"?**

Answer: A fool's mouth becomes their destruction and snare through various means. Their words might be boastful, leading to humiliation; malicious, inciting conflict or legal trouble; imprudent, revealing secrets or making foolish commitments; or arrogant, alienating others and isolating themselves. Because they lack discretion and wisdom, their speech often exposes their ignorance, reveals their ill intentions, or commits them to actions they regret, trapping them in difficult situations. For instance, [Proverbs 10:19](/proverbs/10-19 "Proverbs 10:19 - Abundance of Words") warns that "in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin," suggesting that excessive or thoughtless speech inevitably leads to transgression and its consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:7, with its stark warning about the self-destructive power of foolish speech, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and perfect example of Jesus. While the proverb highlights the inherent danger of the human tongue when guided by folly, Christ embodies the antithesis of this destructive pattern. He is the very [Wisdom of God incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), and His words were never a snare but always life-giving, truth-revealing, and redemptive. Unlike the fool whose mouth leads to ruin, Jesus's words brought healing ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), forgiveness ([Luke 7:48](/luke/7-48 "Luke 7:48 - Your Sins Are Forgiven")), and eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). He perfectly demonstrated the power of a disciplined tongue, speaking only what the Father commanded ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Commands")), even in the face of immense provocation, thus never ensnaring Himself by foolish utterances. Furthermore, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, in part, atoned for the destructive words of humanity, freeing us from the ultimate snare of sin and death. Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to put off foolish speech and instead speak words that build up and give grace ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")), reflecting the wisdom and character of the One who is the very Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")).

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 13:3

¶ He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 10:14

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

Proverbs 12:13

¶ The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Psalms 140:9

[As for] the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

Psalms 64:8

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

Acts 23:14

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Acts 23:22

So the chief captain [then] let the young man depart, and charged [him, See thou] tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.