Proverbs 14:3
By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
In context
1 The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. 2 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. 3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 14:3 in the KJV
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 14:3 in the NIV
A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.