What does "the lips of the wise" signify in Proverbs 14:3? The verse at a glance “The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.” – Proverbs 14:3 What “lips” stand for • In Hebrew poetry, “lips” are a vivid picture for a person’s spoken words. • They also hint at the source of those words—the heart, will, and character behind them (cf. Luke 6:45). Why call them “wise” • They spring from a heart that fears the LORD (Proverbs 1:7). • They are shaped by knowledge of God’s law (Psalm 37:30). • They are restrained, thoughtful, and peace-seeking (Proverbs 10:19; 15:1). • They aim to build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). Protective power of wise lips • They avert needless conflict—gentle answers turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). • They keep the speaker from self-inflicted harm; guarding the mouth guards the soul (Proverbs 21:23). • They rescue listeners from error by steering them toward truth (Proverbs 12:6). • They shelter relationships under honesty and grace (Proverbs 16:24). Contrast with the fool’s mouth • Foolish words are swollen with pride, creating their own “rod” of discipline (Proverbs 18:6-7). • The wise avoid that rod because their speech refuses arrogance and embraces humility (Proverbs 11:2). Echoes elsewhere in Scripture • “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18 • “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” – Proverbs 21:23 • “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man.” – James 3:2 Living it out • Pause and pray before speaking; haste breeds folly (James 1:19). • Measure every word against the truth of Scripture. • Favor clarity over sarcasm, gentleness over volume, grace over pride. • Let speech be seasoned with the gospel so it shelters, guides, and preserves—just as “the lips of the wise” are meant to do. |
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