Proverbs 18:6
Proverbs 18:6 in Multiple Translations
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they're asking for a beating.
A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.
A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth provoketh quarrels.
When foolish people [SYN] start arguments, it is as though they [SYN] are requesting/inviting someone to flog/whip them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 18:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
כְ֭סִיל
יָבֹ֣אֽוּ
בְ/רִ֑יב
וּ֝/פִ֗י/ו
לְֽ/מַהֲלֻמ֥וֹת
יִקְרָֽא
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
כְ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
יָבֹ֣אֽוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְ/רִ֑יב
rîyb
H7379
strife
Prep | N-cs
וּ֝/פִ֗י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms | Suff
לְֽ/מַהֲלֻמ֥וֹת
mahălummâh
H4112
blow
Prep | N-fp
יִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:6
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
כְ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
יָבֹ֣אֽוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בְ/רִ֑יב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
וּ֝/פִ֗י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
לְֽ/מַהֲלֻמ֥וֹת
mahălummâh
H4112
"blow"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a physical blow or strike, like a hit or a beating, and is used in Exodus 21:25 to describe punishment for injuries.
Definition: strokes, blows
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: stripe, stroke. See also: Proverbs 18:6; Proverbs 19:29.
יִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:6
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 27:3 | A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:27–28 | A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:24–25 | Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:29 | Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools. |
| 5 | Proverbs 20:3 | It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:16 | A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. |
| 7 | Proverbs 25:24 | Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. |
| 8 | Proverbs 14:3 | The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. |
| 9 | Proverbs 13:10 | Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised. |
| 10 | Proverbs 19:19 | A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again. |
Proverbs 18:6 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we speak without thinking, our words can get us into trouble and lead to conflict. As it says in Proverbs 12:18, the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. We should be careful with our words and think before we speak, just like it says in Proverbs 10:32 that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a fool's lips to bring him strife?
According to Proverbs 18:6, a fool's words can lead to conflict and trouble, as seen in the way his mouth invites a beating, similar to the warning in Proverbs 10:14 that the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride to them.
Is this verse saying that we should never speak up or share our thoughts?
No, Proverbs 18:6 is specifically addressing the reckless and unwise words of a fool, not the thoughtful and wise words of a believer, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29 to speak words that edify and give grace to those who hear.
How can we avoid being like the fool in this verse?
We can avoid being like the fool by being mindful of our words and speaking wisely, as advised in James 1:19 to be quick to hear and slow to speak, and in Proverbs 15:1 that a soft answer turns away wrath.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses?
Proverbs 18:6 is part of a larger discussion on the power of words and the importance of wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 18:4, which compares the words of a man's mouth to deep waters, and in Proverbs 18:7, which warns that a fool's mouth is his ruin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that my words have brought strife or trouble into my life or the lives of those around me?
- How can I be more mindful of the words I speak, and what are some strategies for speaking wisely in difficult situations?
- What are some Bible verses that encourage wise and thoughtful speech, and how can I apply them to my life?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and edify others, rather than tearing them down?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:6
A fool's lips enter into contention,.... That is, between others, when he has nothing to do with it; but he must be meddling, and make himself a party in the contention, which is an argument of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:6
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes - by his contentiousness of mouth he brings "strokes" on himself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
A fool’ s lips enter into contention; a fool by his rash and wicked speeches provoketh others to quarrel with him, and, as it follows, to strike him. His mouth calleth for strokes; procureth strokes to himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
Proverbs 18:6 A fool’ s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. Ver. 6. A fool’ s lips enter into contention.] And his mouth calleth for strokes] By his desire upon others; but by desert and effect upon himself. Vehementer doleo, quia vehementer diligo. Atque sit cum maesto vultu, oculis demissis, cum quadam tarditate et vocis plangitu procedit maledictio. - Bernard.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
(6) His mouth calleth for strokes, which he provokes by his insolence and quarrelsomeness.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:6
6. enter into] The Heb. may mean either “come into,” or “come with,” “bring” (R.V. marg.). strokes] Or, stripes, R.V., as the same Heb. word is rendered in Proverbs 19:29, the only other place in which it occurs. Some, however, take “calleth for” to mean “provokes,” “causes.” “Os ejus jurgia provocat,” Vulg.; “In causa est ut a verbis ad verbera veniatur,” Maur., which accords with “bring” contention, if that be adopted in the first clause.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:6
The first verse speaks of the immediate, the others of the remote, results of the “fool’s” temper.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6
6. Enter into contention — Engage in a quarrel; perhaps the quarrel of others may be intended. His mouth calleth for strokes — He provokes a blow on the mouth, and gets it for his intermeddling.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then men |
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Corrupted by False Teaching by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings | This sermon delves into 1 Corinthians 15, emphasizing the impact of contemplating Christ's sacrifice for our sins on our lives. It warns against false teaching and the corrupting i |
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The Deep Dealings of God Part 28 - Let Us Go on Unto Perfection - Gods Love by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to return to Jesus amidst the crises affecting both the church and the family unit. He highlights that the root of these cr |
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Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins, |
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About Your Friends. by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of friendships on our lives, particularly in youth, where the choice of friends can shape one's future. He warns against indiscriminate f |
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Mixed Marriages by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the dangers of being unequally yoked in marriage, emphasizing the negative spiritual, emotional, and societal consequences that arise from such unions. H |