Proverbs 14:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

NIV: A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

NASB: In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise will protect them.

CSB: The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline, but the lips of the wise protect them.

NLT: A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

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

NKJV: In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Here, Solomon emphasizes the idea that failing to control one's words is a recipe for disaster. A foolish person's uncontrolled, thoughtless words hurt others, who will eventually hurt him. Rods were used in the ancient world for self-defense and as a form of government punishment. The person using careless, hurtful speech eventually faces consequences (James 3:4–6).

Psalm 64:3 compares the tongues of the wicked to swords and their words to arrows. However, following verses say, "God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly. They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them" (Psalm 64:7–8). Their own attacking words come back to haunt them.

On the other hand, a wise person's controlled and gracious speech keeps them out of trouble. Sometimes, that discretion is simply a matter of knowing when not to speak, at all (Proverbs 10:19). No one has unnecessary reason to harm such a person. Believers ought to employ speech that is far different from the arrogant, rough, biting speech of evildoers. Their speech should resemble that of the Savior. First Peter 2:22 assures us that He never deceived anyone, and Luke 4:22 testifies that all who heard Him "marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth."

Proverbs 14:1–10 continues a long series of short, general-case, common-sense statements of godly wisdom. This section focuses on personal diligence, relationship to the Lord, conversation, witness, prudent behavior, and private emotions. Once again, the spotlight focuses on what is admirable versus that which is disgraceful.

This continues a series of literal "proverbs:" short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects.

Proverbs 14 continues King Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter he discusses a variety of topics such as wisdom and folly, honesty and dishonesty, righteousness and evil, national security and national disgrace, personal security and destruction, the fear of the Lord, generosity, and wise servanthood. This series of astute comments will continue for several more chapters.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.