Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:3, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
American Standard Version
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for [his] pride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
World English Bible version
The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 14:3 Meaning & Commentary
By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. – Proverbs 14:3 (ESV)
One of the most repeated themes in the book of Proverbs is the power of our words and their impact on our lives and others. We see this highlighted again in Proverbs 14:3. The Bible says that “by the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back.”
There are a few different ways to look at this. Firstly, when we speak out words in anger or frustration, it can put us into situations we may not want to be in – in terms of altercations with others: Proverbs 18:6 – A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. Self-defense experts say our words are the best way to diffuse a situation. Our words can either diffuse a situation or ignite it into a flame.
Secondly, our words can get us into trouble with authorities or people who “carry a rod,” metaphorically speaking. This could be our parents, school teachers, boss, or law enforcement officers. It is always best to say too little rather than too much. The truth is that when we speak, we reveal what is in our hearts. It is, therefore, essential to guard our lips when we feel negative emotions rather than spill out what we are feeling.
This is why the second half of Proverbs 14:3 says that “the lips of the wise will preserve them.” This is because – in wisdom, the wise person will know when to keep quiet and instead say nothing! It takes wisdom and self-control to manage our emotions and “bite our tongue,” which means keeping quiet when we feel like blurting out our emotions and giving someone “a piece of our mind.” This is how the lips of the wise can preserve them – either by keeping quiet or by using their words wisely and to their benefit rather than to their detriment!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 14:3 to our lives?
The lesson to be learned and applied from this portion of scripture is that our words are powerful and can significantly impact our lives. Our words carry the power to create life or bring death: Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
However, words do more than create or destroy our lives – they can also deliver us into or out of bad situations. The golden rule is always, “if you have nothing good to say, rather don’t say anything.” We are most vulnerable to releasing destructive words when we are wrestling with negative emotions – anger, greed, jealousy, frustration, etc. When we recognize these emotions inside us, we need to slow down, take heed and deal with the emotions (which is the root), and not only watch what we say (the fruit).
Jesus taught us that the mouth is an outflow of the heart: Luke 6:45 – The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. God also invites us to ask for wisdom: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
When we have God’s wisdom, we can better understand how to handle certain situations and navigate the challenges life inevitably brings. When we ask for wisdom, prioritize our time with God, and allow Him to work in our hearts, we will find ourselves struggling less and less with negative emotions and growing in the fruit of The Spirit, which includes self-control. We will then be able to guard our lips better and, in doing so, potentially preserve our own lives!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you today and thank You for Your Word, which inspires me to be more Christ-like. I pray today and ask for wisdom – help me navigate the situations I find myself in with wisdom.
I ask that the fruit of self-control grows in my life and that you help me be pleasing to you in thought, word, and deed. I ask this now, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
