Proverbs 10:8

8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Proverbs 10:8 in Other Translations

KJV
8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
ESV
8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
NLT
8 The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
MSG
8 A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued.
CSB
8 A wise heart accepts commands, but foolish lips will be destroyed.

Proverbs 10:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:8

The wise in heart will receive commandments
Such who have true wisdom in the hidden part of the heart, of which the fear of the Lord is the beginning: these will not only, as good subjects, honour their king, and attend to his lawful commands; and, as dutiful children, regard those of their parents; and, as faithful servants, hearken to those of their masters; but, as such that fear the Lord, will receive and cheerfully obey the commandments of God and Christ;

but a prating fool shall fall;
like Diotrephes, that prated against the Apostle John and other saints. Or, "a fool of lips" F2; whose folly is proclaimed and made known by his lips; who, out of the abundance of it in his heart, speaks and pours it out by his lips: such an one falls into sin and into mischief; he falls into disgrace in this world, and into hell in the next. The Targum is,

``the fool by his lips shall be taken;''

as in a snare.


FOOTNOTES:

F2 (Mytpv lywa) "stultus labiis", Montanus

Proverbs 10:8 In-Context

6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
7 The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Cross References 1

  • 1. ver 14; S Job 33:33; Matthew 7:24-27
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