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...