Proverbs 14:3

3 Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect.

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 Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.

2 An honest life shows respect for God; a degenerate life is a slap in his face.

3 Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect.

4 No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow.

5 A true witness never lies; a false witness makes a business of it.