April 13

By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,
but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
Proverbs 14:3

This verse is a contrast between self-destructive and self-protecting speech.

The word "rod" in the first half of verse 3 is perhaps better translated as "sprig" and is used elsewhere in the OT only in Isaiah 11:1 where it signifies "a small branch shooting from the stock of a tree" (Toy, p.281). It is also important to know that the word translated "back" in the ESV is nowhere to be found in the original Hebrew. Instead, the Hebrew word is "pride," so the NKJV accurately translates it: "in the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride."

Here the branch of pride springs from its stem in the fool's mouth. Since out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, foolishness grows from the fools heart up to his mouth and shoots out beyond it. While there are at least a few proverbs that refer to fools being beaten in the back with rods (10:13; 19:29; and 26:3) that is not the point of this verse.

That is not to say, however, that no consequences come from this crowing speech. The contrast provided in the second line of the verse clarifies that the fools talk brings him harm, since the speech of the righteous brings safety. This is consistent with other proverbs, such as 18:6 -

A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites a beating.

The self-exaltation that comes from pride is a characteristic of foolishness, and this type of foolishness often leads one into trouble and pain. On the other hand, the lips of the wise protect them from the injuries associated with boastful speaking.

April 12

The wisest of women builds her house,
but folly with her own hands tears it down.
Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord,
but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
Proverbs 14:1-2

thoughts to come...

April 11

Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
Proverbs 13:24-25

thoughts to come...

April 10

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice.
Proverbs 13:22-23

thoughts to come...

April 9

A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Disaster pursues sinners,
but the righteous are rewarded with good.
Proverbs 13:19-21

thoughts to come...

April 8

A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy brings healing.
Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
Proverbs 13:17-18

thoughts to come...

April 7

Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
In everything the prudent acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts his folly.
Proverbs 13:15-16

thoughts to come...

April 6

Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:13-14

thoughts to come...

April 5

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:11-12

thoughts to come...

April 4

The light of the righteous rejoices,
but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:9-10

thoughts to come...

April 3

One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth,
but a poor man chears no threat.
Proverbs 13:7-8

thoughts to come...

April 2

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked.
Proverbs 13:4-6

thoughts to come...

April 1

A wise son hears his father’s instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,
but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Proverbs 13:1-3

thoughts to come...