Thoughts From Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14:3

³ In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back,
But the lips of the wise will protect them.

Speech is an important part of human behavior.  In this verse it is identified as a contributor to the cause of punishment but there are a number of identifying characteristics attributed to the tongue-- speech, communication, or silence.

1.      Speech can be used to hurt others.

2.      Words can identify wisdom or folly.

3.      Words are a means of convicting evil men.

4.      Words are used to gain good results.

5.      Silence is an antidote to foolishness.

6.      A babbler is determined for ruin.

7.      One who listens to wise counsel grows wise.

8.      Impatience and folly are revealed in the conversation of a fool.

9.      The words of a fool cannot make anyone wise.

10.  Talk not supported by fruitful talk is a path to poverty.

Proverbs 14:33

³³ Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
But in the hearts of fools it is made known.

Wisdom is a character virtue.  It is in the heart as a settled matter.  It rests there.  And it cannot be hidden,  even if it is surrounded by folly.  The heroes identified around us are usually people who show good sense in the midst of overt folly. cf I Timothy 1:7

⁷ wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.