Proverbs 14:3

3 Fools will be punished for their proud words, but the words of the wise will protect them.

Proverbs 14:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:3

In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride
A proud tongue, or a tongue speaking proud and haughty things; with which foolish or wicked men smite others and wound and hurt their reputation and credit, and in the issue hurt themselves also; their tongue is not only a rod to others, but a scourge to themselves, or is the cause of evil coming upon them; such was the tongue of Pharaoh, as Jarchi on the place observes, ( Exodus 5:2 ) ; and of those the psalmist speaks of, ( Psalms 73:9 ) ; and particularly of antichrist, whose mouth is opened in blasphemies against God, and his tabernacle, and his saints, ( Revelation 13:5 Revelation 13:6 ) ; but the lips of the wise shall preserve them;
from speaking such proud and haughty things against God and men; or from being hurt by the tongues of men or their own; yea, what coaxes out of their mouth is confounding and destructive to their enemies, ( Revelation 11:5 ) .

Proverbs 14:3 In-Context

1 A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does.
2 People who live good lives respect the Lord, but those who live evil lives don't.
3 Fools will be punished for their proud words, but the words of the wise will protect them.
4 When there are no oxen, no food is in the barn. But with a strong ox, much grain can be grown.
5 A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness tells nothing but lies.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.