Proverbs 10:14

14 The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near.

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.


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 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
13 On the lips of one who has understanding wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of one who lacks sense.
14 The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.
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.