Proverbs 10:14

14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.^[a]

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 Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.

14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.

15 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

16 The labor of the righteous leads to life; the activity of the wicked leads to sin.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 12:13; 13:3; 18:7