Proverbs 14:3

3 The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the lips of the wise preserve 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 The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.
2 Those who walk uprightly fear the Lord, but one who is devious in conduct despises him.
3 The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the lips of the wise preserve them.
4 Where there are no oxen, there is no grain; abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Cn: Heb [a rod of pride]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.