Proverbs 10:13

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.

Proverbs 10:13 in Other Translations

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.

13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

13 You'll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight, but the shortsighted needs a slap in the face.

13 In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of a person who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of one without sense.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of those who understand what is right. But those who have no sense are punished.

Proverbs 10:13 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:13

In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found,
&c.] He that has an understanding, especially of divine, spiritual, and evangelic things, which is the pure gift of God; wisdom will be found in his lips, his mouth will speak of it; not of mere natural wisdom, but spiritual wisdom; of the wisdom of God in his works; of Christ, the Wisdom of God; of the Gospel, the hidden wisdom; of inward experience of the grace of God, wisdom in the inward part, ( Psalms 37:30 ) ; from his lips will drop wise sayings, very instructive and informing; which those that seek for and observe may find to their profit and advantage, and to the great credit and honour of the understanding man; while the foolish man gets both stripes and disgrace, as follows; but a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding;
or, "wants a heart" ^F5: that has no understanding of spiritual things in his heart, and so utters nothing but what is foolish and wicked, and, sooner or later, is chastised for it. The Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read this clause in connection with the former, thus; "he that brings forth wisdom out of his lips smites with a rod him that is void of understanding".

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (bl rox) "carcutis corde"; Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 10:13 In-Context

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.

14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

Cross References

• 1. ver 31; S Psalms 37:30; Proverbs 15:7
• 2. S Deuteronomy 25:2; Proverbs 14:3; Proverbs 26:3