Proverbs 10:14

14 Wise people store up knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people destroy them.

Proverbs 10:14 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:14

Wise [men] lay up knowledge
Which they get by reading, prayer, meditation, hearing the word of God, and conversation with good men: this they lay up in their hearts, minds, and memories, that they may not forget it, and as a rich treasure they highly value it; that they may bring it forth at proper times, and on proper occasions, for the benefit of others; see ( Matthew 12:35 ) ( 13:52 ) ; or hide ^F6 it; conceal it; do not boast and brag of it, as foolish men do; but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction:
who rashly and unguardedly utters things which bring swift and sudden destruction on himself and others; or terror and consternation, as the word ^F7 also signifies. The Vulgate Latin version is, "but the mouth of the foolish is near to confusion"; he boasts of his knowledge, betrays his ignorance, and so brings himself to shame and confusion.

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FOOTNOTES:

F6 (wnpuy) "abscondent", Pagninus, Montanus; "abscondunt", V. L. "occultant", Michaelis.
F7 (htxm) "terrorem accersit", Tigurine version; "consternatio propinqua", Cocceius; "terror", Vatablus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 10:14 In-Context

12 Hate stirs up fights. But love erases all sins by forgiving them.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of those who understand what is right. But those who have no sense are punished.

14 Wise people store up knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people destroy them.

15 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe. But having nothing destroys those who are poor.

16 People who do what is right earn life. But what sinners earn causes them to be punished.