Proverbs 14:3 - Exposition

In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride. חֹטֶר ( choter ) , "rod," or "shoot," is found also in Isaiah 11:1 . From the mouth of the arrogant fool proceeds a growth of vaunting and conceit, accompanied with insolence towards others, for which he is often chastised. So the tongue is compared to a sword ( e.g. Psalms 57:4 ; Psalms 64:3 ; Jeremiah 18:18 ; Revelation 1:16 . St. Gregory ('Mor. in Job.,' 24) applies this sentence to haughty preachers, who are anxious to appear superior to other people, and study more to chide and reprove than to encourage; "they know how to smite sharply, but not to sympathize with humility." Septuagint, "From the mouth of fools cometh a staff of insolence." The lips of the wise shall preserve them—the wise ( Proverbs 13:3 ). These do not abuse speech to insult and injure others; and their words tend to conciliate others, and promote peace and good will (comp. Proverbs 12:6 , Proverbs 12:18 ).