Proverbs 18:6

6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

Proverbs 18:6 in Other Translations

KJV
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
ESV
6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
NLT
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
MSG
6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.
CSB
6 A fool's lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.

Proverbs 18:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:6

A fool's lips enter into contention
That is, between others, when he has nothing to do with it; but he must be meddling, and make himself a party in the contention, which is an argument of his folly; he says things which occasion disputes, raise contentions among men, and provoke to wrath and anger. The Septuagint version is, "the lips of a fool lead him to evils": for, as they lead him to contention and strife, the issue of that is confusion and every evil work; and his mouth calleth for strokes:
as he stirs up and encourages contention, so he proceeds to blows, and excites others to them; from words he goes to blows, and, by the ill and provoking language of his mouth, gets many a blow to himself. Jarchi seems to understand it of chastisement, from the hand of God; see ( Proverbs 26:3 ) .

Proverbs 18:6 In-Context

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 10:14
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.