Proverbs 14:3

3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

Proverbs 14:3 in Other Translations

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

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

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for [his] pride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

3 Because of a stubborn fool's words a whip is lifted against him, but wise people are protected by their speech.

3 The proud speech of a fool [brings] a rod [of discipline], but the lips of the wise protect them.

3 Foolish people are punished for what they say. But the things wise people say keep them safe.

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 with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

2 Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

Cross References

• 1. S Proverbs 10:14; Ecclesiastes 10:12
• 2. S Proverbs 10:13; S Proverbs 12:6