Proverbs 10:13
New International Version
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.

New Living Translation
Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

English Standard Version
On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.

Berean Standard Bible
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

King James Bible
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

New King James Version
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

New American Standard Bible
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who has no sense.

NASB 1995
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.

NASB 1977
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.

Legacy Standard Bible
On the lips of the one who has understanding, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks a heart of wisdom.

Amplified Bible
On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found, But discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding.

Christian Standard Bible
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.

American Standard Version
In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Contemporary English Version
If you have good sense, it will show when you speak. But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick.

English Revised Version
In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Wisdom is found on the lips of a person who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of one without sense.

Good News Translation
Intelligent people talk sense, but stupid people need to be punished.

International Standard Version
Wisdom characterizes the speech of the discerning, but the rod is for the backs of those lacking discernment.

Majority Standard Bible
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

NET Bible
Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

New Heart English Bible
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

World English Bible
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Wisdom is found in the lips of the intelligent, "" And a rod [is] for the back of him who is lacking understanding.

Young's Literal Translation
In the lips of the intelligent is wisdom found, And a rod is for the back of him who is lacking understanding.

Smith's Literal Translation
In the lips of him understanding, wisdom shall be found: and a rod for the back of him wanting heart.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the lips of the wise is wisdom found: and a rod on the back of him that wanteth sense.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In the lips of the wise, wisdom is discovered. And a rod is for the back of one who lacks heart.

New American Bible
On the lips of the intelligent is found wisdom, but a rod for the back of one without sense.

New Revised Standard Version
On the lips of one who has understanding wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of one who lacks sense.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who brings forth wisdom out of his lips shall beat with a rod him that lacks understanding.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Whoever brings forth wisdom from his lips beats the man lacking a heart with a staff.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that brings forth wisdom from his lips smites the fool with a rod.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son
12Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. 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.…

Cross References
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

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

Proverbs 18:6-7
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. / 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 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Proverbs 19:29
Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Proverbs 26:3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

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 14:3
The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

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

Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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

In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

the lips

Proverbs 10:11,21
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked…

Proverbs 15:7,23
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so…

Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

a rod

Proverbs 10:10
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

Proverbs 7:22
He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

Proverbs 17:10
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

understanding

Proverbs 6:32
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

Jump to Previous
Discerning Discernment Found Intelligent Judgment Lips Ready Rod Sense Understanding Void Wisdom
Jump to Next
Discerning Discernment Found Intelligent Judgment Lips Ready Rod Sense Understanding Void Wisdom
Proverbs 10
1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices














Wisdom is found
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" here is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not just knowledge but the skillful application of knowledge in daily life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with the ability to make sound decisions and live a life pleasing to God. The phrase "is found" suggests that wisdom is not hidden or elusive but is readily available to those who seek it with a discerning heart.

on the lips of the discerning
The term "discerning" comes from the Hebrew "בִּין" (bin), which means to understand or perceive. This implies a depth of insight and the ability to see beyond the surface. In biblical times, the "lips" were often seen as the expression of one's inner thoughts and character. Thus, the discerning person not only possesses wisdom but also communicates it effectively, influencing others positively.

but a rod is for the back
The "rod" in Hebrew is "שֵׁבֶט" (shevet), which can refer to a tool for discipline or correction. Historically, the rod was a symbol of authority and correction, used by shepherds to guide their sheep and by parents to discipline their children. The imagery here suggests that those who lack wisdom and discernment may face consequences or correction, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom.

of him who lacks judgment
"Lacks judgment" translates from the Hebrew "חָסֵר לֵב" (chaser lev), literally meaning "lacking heart." In Hebrew thought, the heart was the center of intellect and will, not just emotion. To lack judgment is to be devoid of understanding and moral insight. This phrase serves as a warning that without the pursuit of wisdom, one is vulnerable to folly and its repercussions.

Verse 13. - Wisdom is found (comp. Psalm 37:30). The man of understanding is discreet in speech, and does not cause trouble by rash or foolish words. A rod (Proverbs 19:29; Proverbs 26:3). A fool brings upon himself punishment by his insensate talk. Void of understanding; Hebrew, "wanting in heart;" Vulgate, qui indiget corde. The LXX. combines the two members into one proposition, "He who putteth forth wisdom with his lips is a rod to chastise the man without heart." In the Hebrew conception the "heart" is the seat, not only of the passions and affections, but also of the intellectual faculties.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Wisdom
חָכְמָ֑ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

is found
תִּמָּצֵ֣א (tim·mā·ṣê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

on the lips
בְּשִׂפְתֵ֣י (bə·śip̄·ṯê)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

of the discerning,
נָ֭בוֹן (nā·ḇō·wn)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

but a rod
וְ֝שֵׁ֗בֶט (wə·šê·ḇeṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

is for the back
לְגֵ֣ו (lə·ḡêw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1460: The back, the middle

of him who lacks
חֲסַר־ (ḥă·sar-)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2638: Needy, lacking, in want of

judgment.
לֵֽב׃ (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre


Links
Proverbs 10:13 NIV
Proverbs 10:13 NLT
Proverbs 10:13 ESV
Proverbs 10:13 NASB
Proverbs 10:13 KJV

Proverbs 10:13 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 10:13 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 10:13 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 10:13 French Bible
Proverbs 10:13 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 10:12
Top of Page
Top of Page