Proverbs 14:3
Proverbs 14:3 in Multiple Translations
The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
In the mouth of the foolish man is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will keep them safe.
What stupid people say punishes their pride, but what wise people say will protect them.
In the mouth of the foolish is the rod of pride: but the lippes of the wise preserue them.
In the mouth of a fool [is] a rod of pride, And the lips of the wise preserve them.
The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
In the mouth of a fool is the rod of pride: but the lips of the wise preserve them.
Foolish people will be punished [MTY] for what they say, but wise people will be protected by what they say [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּֽ/פִי
אֱ֭וִיל
חֹ֣טֶר
גַּאֲוָ֑ה
וְ/שִׂפְתֵ֥י
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
תִּשְׁמוּרֵֽ/ם
בְּֽ/פִי
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
אֱ֭וִיל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
חֹ֣טֶר
chôṭêr
H2415
branch
N-ms
גַּאֲוָ֑ה
gaʼăvâh
H1346
pride
N-fs
וְ/שִׂפְתֵ֥י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Conj | N-fd
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
תִּשְׁמוּרֵֽ/ם
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:3
בְּֽ/פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
אֱ֭וִיל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
חֹ֣טֶר
chôṭêr
H2415
"branch"
N-ms
A branch or twig from a tree, often used as a symbol or tool. In the Bible, it can represent authority or guidance, like in Numbers 17:8.
Definition: branch, twig, rod
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: rod. See also: Proverbs 14:3; Isaiah 11:1.
גַּאֲוָ֑ה
gaʼăvâh
H1346
"pride"
N-fs
Pride or majesty, describing something or someone that is impressive or arrogant, like the pride of life in 1 John. It can also mean ornament or swelling, like the swelling of the sea in Psalms.
Definition: 1) pride, majesty, a rising up 1a) a rising up, swelling (of the sea) 1b) majesty (of Israel) 1c) pride, haughtiness
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 73:6; Psalms 10:2.
וְ/שִׂפְתֵ֥י
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Conj | N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
תִּשְׁמוּרֵֽ/ם
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:3
Context — The Wise Woman
1Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.
3The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. 5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:6 | The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. |
| 2 | James 3:5–6 | In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. |
| 3 | Revelation 12:11 | They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. |
| 4 | Revelation 3:10 | Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. |
| 5 | Romans 10:9–10 | that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved. |
| 6 | Psalms 12:3 | May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 2:3 | Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:24 | Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride. |
| 9 | Psalms 52:1–2 | Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. |
| 10 | Job 5:21 | You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes. |
Proverbs 14:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we speak proudly or arrogantly, it can get us into trouble, but when we speak wisely and thoughtfully, it can protect us from harm. This is similar to what it says in Proverbs 10:32, where it says 'The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.' By speaking wisely, we can build others up and bring glory to God, as noted in Ephesians 4:29.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'proud speech' in Proverbs 14:3?
Proud speech refers to arrogant or boastful talk that comes from a heart full of pride, as seen in Psalm 10:4, where it says 'In all his thoughts there is no room for God.' This kind of speech can lead to trouble, as noted in the verse.
How do the 'lips of the wise protect them'?
The lips of the wise protect them by speaking words that are thoughtful, kind, and truthful, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, where it says 'Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.'
What is the 'rod to his back' that the proud speech of a fool brings?
The 'rod to his back' is a metaphor for the punishment or consequences that come from speaking proudly, as seen in Proverbs 10:13, where it says 'A rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.'
How can we avoid speaking proudly and instead speak wisely?
We can avoid speaking proudly by humbling ourselves before God, as noted in 1 Peter 5:6, and by being mindful of our words, as encouraged in James 1:19, where it says 'Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have spoken proudly in the past, and how did it affect those around me?
- How can I cultivate wise and thoughtful speech in my daily conversations?
- What are some Bible verses that I can memorize to help me speak more wisely and less proudly?
- In what situations do I struggle with speaking proudly, and how can I prepare myself to respond more wisely in those situations?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:3
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. In the mouth of the foolish (is) a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them - (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
A rod of pride: their proud and insolent speeches, as they are like a rod, offensive and injurious to others, so they make a rod for their own hacks, by provoking God and man against them; which sense seems most probable, both from the opposite clause, and by comparing this place with 26:3. For this phrase, the rod of pride, it may be compared with other like phrases, as the foot of pride, , the scourge of the tongue, , and the rod of the mouth, . Shall preserve them, from that rod.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
Proverbs 14:3 In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.Ver. 3. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride.] Wherewith he beats others, and lays about him like a madman, or rather like a mad dog he bites all he meets, and barks against God himself; till he procure the hate of God and men, and smart for his petulance, being beaten at length with his own rod, as the lion beats himself with his own tail. But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.] From the aspersion of false and foolish tongues. Their good names are oiled, so that evil reports will not stick to them. Dirt will stick upon a mud wall, not so upon marble. Or if they lie under some undeserved reproach for a season, either by a real or verbal apology they wade out of it, as the eclipsed moon by keeping her motion wades out of the shadow and recovers her splendour.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
(3) In the mouth of the foolish (self-willed) is a rod of pride.—He has to smart for his ill-judged sayings; or, he punishes others with them. But this does not agree so well with what follows. But the lips of the wise shall preserve them (the wise) from the difficulties into which the foolish come by their rash talk.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
Verse 3. The mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride] The reproofs of such a person are ill-judged and ill-timed, and generally are conveyed in such language as renders them not only ineffectual, but displeasing, and even irritating.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:3
3. a rod of pride] This may mean either that he smites with his proud words as with a rod (comp. Isaiah 11:4, where however the Heb. word is different); or (preserving better the antithesis between the two clauses of the verse) that his own mouth furnishes “a rod for his pride” (R.V. marg.); his own words cause his humiliation. Instead of “rod,” however, we may render “shoot” (R.V. marg.): proud words spring out of his mouth like a sucker or branch (comp. Isaiah 11:1, the only other place in which the same Heb. word occurs).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:3
A rod of pride - i. e., The pride shown in his speech is as a rod with which he strikes down others and himself.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:3
3. A rod (sceptre) of pride — Haughtiness is put for a rod. It seems to be implied that the rod will eventually be used for their own punishment.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
His Tongue Is an Unruly Member by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of time and how it is misused in today's society. He emphasizes the power of man to subdue and control various creatures, but highli |
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Holiness and Unclean Lips by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our words and how they reveal our true character. He warns that our own words will either stand against us or for us at th |
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The Tongue, the Wise Man - James 3 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical role of the tongue in reflecting the condition of the heart, as outlined in James 3. He warns against the dangers of an unbridled tongue, whi |
|
The Power of the Tongue by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of our words, illustrating that the tongue holds the power of life and death. He urges Christians to recognize the potential of their spe |
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John Fleming by Alexander Whyte | Alexander Whyte preaches on the deep friendship between Samuel Rutherford and John Fleming, emphasizing how their trials drew them closer together. Rutherford, in his letters to Fl |
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Section Iii.--Ministerial Effects. by William Arthur | William Arthur preaches about the power of the tongue of fire, as seen in the example of Peter on the day of Pentecost. Despite Peter's lack of eloquence, his message, filled with |
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Love One Another by Andrew Murray | William Newell and Charles Spurgeon discuss the deadly nature of the asp, a venomous serpent whose poison is injected through its fangs, likened to the harmful words and slander th |