Proverbs 10:14
New International Version
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

New Living Translation
Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

English Standard Version
The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Berean Standard Bible
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.

King James Bible
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

New King James Version
Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

New American Standard Bible
Wise people store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

NASB 1995
Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

NASB 1977
Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

Legacy Standard Bible
Wise men store up knowledge, But the mouth of the ignorant fool draws ruin near.

Amplified Bible
Wise men store up and treasure knowledge [in mind and heart], But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

Christian Standard Bible
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.

American Standard Version
Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.

Contemporary English Version
If you have good sense, you will learn all you can, but foolish talk will soon destroy you.

English Revised Version
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who are wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a stubborn fool invites ruin.

Good News Translation
The wise get all the knowledge they can, but when fools speak, trouble is not far off.

International Standard Version
Those who are wise store up knowledge, but when the fool speaks, destruction is near.

Majority Standard Bible
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.

NET Bible
Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction.

New Heart English Bible
Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

World English Bible
Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The wise lay up knowledge, and the mouth of a fool [is] near ruin.

Young's Literal Translation
The wise lay up knowledge, and the mouth of a fool is near ruin.

Smith's Literal Translation
The wise shall hide knowledge: and the mouth of the foolish drew near destruction.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the fool is next to confusion.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The wise store away knowledge. But the mouth of the foolish is a neighbor to confusion.

New American Bible
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool is imminent ruin.

New Revised Standard Version
The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Wise men conceal knowledge; but a hasty mouth is near destruction.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The wise will conceal knowledge and the mouth of the hasty is near ruin.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is an imminent ruin.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The wise will hide discretion; but the mouth of the hasty draws near to ruin.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son
13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. 14The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. 15The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.…

Cross References
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Proverbs 18:7
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. / The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. / Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Proverbs 12:23
A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

James 3:2-6
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...

Proverbs 11:12
Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.

1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.


Treasury of Scripture

Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

lay

Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 9:9
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 18:1,15
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom…

the mouth

Proverbs 10:8,10
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall…

Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 18:7
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

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Babbling Destruction Fool Foolish Hand Imminent Invites Lay Mouth Present Ruin Store Stored Wise
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Proverbs 10
1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices














The wise store up knowledge
This phrase emphasizes the value of wisdom and knowledge in the life of a believer. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and is considered a treasure (Proverbs 2:4). The act of storing up knowledge suggests a deliberate and ongoing effort to learn and understand God's ways, akin to storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Historically, the ancient Near Eastern cultures valued wisdom literature, and the Israelites were no exception, often equating wisdom with righteousness and moral living. This phrase also connects to the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), where the wise man builds his house on the rock, symbolizing a life founded on the teachings of Christ.

but the mouth of the fool invites destruction
In contrast to the wise, the fool is characterized by careless speech that leads to ruin. The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of the tongue (James 3:5-6), highlighting how words can cause significant harm. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on speech, as words were seen as powerful and binding. The fool's lack of restraint and discernment in speech reflects a deeper spiritual deficiency, often leading to personal and communal chaos. This phrase can be linked to the story of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25, whose foolish words nearly brought destruction upon his household. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and the need to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs are a collection of wise sayings meant to instruct and guide.

2. Wise Individuals
- In the context of this verse, wise individuals are those who value and accumulate knowledge, understanding its importance for living a righteous life.

3. Fools
- Fools, in this context, are those who speak recklessly without understanding, leading to their own downfall.

4. Ancient Israel
- The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued and seen as a guide for moral and ethical living.

5. The Community of Believers
- The intended audience for the teachings of Proverbs, who are encouraged to seek wisdom and live according to God's principles.
Teaching Points
Value of Knowledge
The wise understand the importance of accumulating knowledge, not just for personal gain but for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

Guarding Our Speech
Our words have power. The wise are cautious with their speech, understanding that reckless words can lead to destruction.

Pursuit of Wisdom
Wisdom is not just intellectual but practical, involving the application of knowledge in everyday life. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, study, and reflection.

Consequences of Foolishness
Foolishness often manifests in careless speech, which can lead to personal and communal harm. Recognizing this helps believers avoid such pitfalls.

Community Impact
The accumulation of knowledge and wise speech contributes positively to the community, fostering an environment of growth and understanding.(14) The mouth of the foolish is near destruction--i.e., is a near, ever-threatening calamity; one never knows what awkward or dangerous thing he will not say next: whereas wise men store up knowledge, and bring it forth as it is wanted (Matthew 13:52).

Verse 14. - Lay up knowledge; like a treasure, for use on proper occasions (Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 14:33; comp. Matthew 7:6; Matthew 13:52). Is near destruction. "Near" may be an adjective, equivalent to "imminent," "ever-threatening." The versions are proximum est and ἐγγίζει. The foolish are always uttering carelessly what may bring trouble on themselves and others.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The wise
חֲכָמִ֥ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

store up
יִצְפְּנוּ־ (yiṣ·pə·nū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6845: To hide, to hoard, reserve, to deny, to protect, to lurk

knowledge,
דָ֑עַת (ḏā·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

but the mouth
וּפִֽי־ (ū·p̄î-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the fool
אֱ֝וִיל (’ĕ·wîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 191: Foolish

invites
קְרֹבָֽה׃ (qə·rō·ḇāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7138: Near

destruction.
מְחִתָּ֥ה (mə·ḥit·tāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4288: A dissolution, a ruin, consternation


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr)
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