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.

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














The wise
The term "wise" in Hebrew is "חֲכָמִים" (chakhamim), which refers to those who possess not only knowledge but also the ability to apply it judiciously. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with a deep reverence for God and an understanding of His ways. The wise are those who seek to align their lives with divine principles, demonstrating discernment and prudence in their actions. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply spiritual, rooted in a relationship with God.

store up
The phrase "store up" comes from the Hebrew "צָפַן" (tsaphan), meaning to treasure or to lay up in reserve. This implies a deliberate and proactive effort to gather and preserve knowledge. In ancient times, storing up resources was a sign of foresight and preparation. Similarly, storing up knowledge suggests a commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual growth, ensuring that one is equipped for future challenges and opportunities.

knowledge
The Hebrew word for "knowledge" is "דַּעַת" (da'ath), which encompasses understanding, insight, and perception. In the biblical sense, knowledge is more than just information; it is an intimate acquaintance with truth, particularly the truth of God's Word. The wise value and accumulate this knowledge, recognizing its power to guide, protect, and enrich their lives. Knowledge, when aligned with wisdom, becomes a tool for righteous living and effective ministry.

but the mouth of the fool
The "mouth of the fool" contrasts sharply with the actions of the wise. The Hebrew word for "fool" is "כְּסִיל" (kesil), which denotes someone who is morally deficient and lacks judgment. The fool is characterized by reckless speech and thoughtless words, often speaking without understanding or consideration of the consequences. In biblical literature, the fool is often depicted as one who rejects wisdom and instruction, leading to their downfall.

invites ruin
The phrase "invites ruin" is derived from the Hebrew "מְחִתָּה" (mechittah), meaning destruction or calamity. The fool's careless words and actions open the door to personal and communal disaster. This serves as a warning about the power of speech and the importance of self-control. In the biblical worldview, words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or to curse. The fool's lack of restraint leads to inevitable ruin, highlighting the need for wisdom in communication.

(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


Links
Proverbs 10:14 NIV
Proverbs 10:14 NLT
Proverbs 10:14 ESV
Proverbs 10:14 NASB
Proverbs 10:14 KJV

Proverbs 10:14 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 10:14 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 10:14 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 10:14 French Bible
Proverbs 10:14 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 10:13
Top of Page
Top of Page