Proverbs 18:7
Proverbs 18:7 in Multiple Translations
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
Stupid people are caught out by what they say; their own words trap them.
A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
The mouth of a fool [is] ruin to him, And his lips [are] the snare of his soul.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his lips are the ruin of his soul.
What foolish people [MTY] say causes them to be ruined; their own words are like a trap [MET] that catches/seizes them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:7
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 18:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פִּֽי
כְ֭סִיל
מְחִתָּה
ל֑/וֹ
וּ֝/שְׂפָתָ֗י/ו
מוֹקֵ֥שׁ
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
פִּֽי
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
כְ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
מְחִתָּה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
terror
N-fs
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וּ֝/שְׂפָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Conj | N-fd | Suff
מוֹקֵ֥שׁ
môwqêsh
H4170
snare
N-ms
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
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 18:7
פִּֽי
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
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.
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.
מְחִתָּה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
"terror"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means terror or ruin, causing consternation or destruction. It is used to describe something that inspires fear or dread, and is translated as 'destruction' or 'terror' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) destruction, ruin, terror, a breaking 1a) terror, dismay, object of terror 1b) ruin
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. See also: Psalms 89:41; Proverbs 14:28; Proverbs 10:14.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וּ֝/שְׂפָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
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.
מוֹקֵ֥שׁ
môwqêsh
H4170
"snare"
N-ms
A snare or trap, this word is used to describe a device to catch animals. In the Bible, it is also used figuratively to describe being trapped by sin or temptation, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: bait, lure, snare
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 69:23; Psalms 18:6.
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:7
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
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. 9Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:3 | He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:14 | The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. |
| 4 | Psalms 64:8 | They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads. |
| 5 | Psalms 140:9 | May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 10:11–14 | If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:8 | A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin. |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:2 | if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, |
| 9 | Acts 23:14–22 | They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.” But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.” The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?” He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him. Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.” So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” |
| 10 | Judges 11:35 | As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” |
Proverbs 18:7 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we speak without thinking or caring about the impact of our words, we can get into trouble and hurt ourselves and others. As it says in Proverbs 12:18, reckless words can be like a sword, causing harm and pain. On the other hand, wise and thoughtful speech can bring life and blessing, as seen in Proverbs 15:4. By being careful and wise with our words, we can avoid causing harm and instead use our speech to build up and encourage others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a fool's mouth to be his ruin?
According to Proverbs 18:7, a fool's mouth is his ruin, meaning that his reckless and careless words can lead to his own downfall, as seen in Proverbs 10:14 and Proverbs 12:13.
How can our lips be a snare to our soul?
Our lips can be a snare to our soul when we speak words that are hurtful, dishonest, or sinful, as warned in Proverbs 6:2 and Ephesians 4:29, which can lead to spiritual harm and damage our relationship with God.
Is this verse saying that we should never speak or express ourselves?
No, this verse is not saying that we should never speak, but rather that we should be careful and wise with our words, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19, to avoid causing harm to ourselves and others.
What is the difference between a fool's mouth and a wise person's mouth?
A fool's mouth is characterized by reckless and careless words, while a wise person's mouth is marked by thoughtful and edifying speech, as seen in Proverbs 10:31-32 and Proverbs 15:2, which brings life and blessing to themselves and others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen my own words cause harm or damage to myself or others, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I cultivate wisdom and care in my speech, especially in difficult or stressful situations?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide my communication, such as speaking the truth in love or being quick to listen and slow to speak?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down or causing harm?
- How can I balance honesty and kindness in my speech, especially when dealing with difficult or sensitive topics?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:7
A fool's mouth [is] his destruction,.... The cause of it; for his contentions, and quarrels, and evil speaking, lawsuits are commenced against him, which bring ruin upon himself and his family now;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:7
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. A fool's ... lips (are) the snare of his soul. He is ruined by his own recklessness and wantonness of speech.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:7
Proverbs 18:7 A fool’ s mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul. Ver. 7. A fool’ s mouth is his destruction.] Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 13:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:7
(7) A fool’s mouth is his destruction.—See above on Proverbs 12:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:7
7. Snare of his soul — Or life. His language endangers his life; and, in a higher sense, his soul also. Comp. Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 13:3. For the figure snare, comp. Proverbs 2:13; Proverbs 13:14; Proverbs 14:27.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 5 by Will Graham | This sermon emphasizes the distinction between those who are truly born again, walking in the ways of the Lord and hating sin, and those who are not regenerated, delighting in sinf |
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Nebuchadnezzars Dream by Peter Bisset | In this sermon, the preacher draws parallels between the story of Daniel and the plight of sinners who are under the sentence of death. He emphasizes that it doesn't matter what me |
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A Foolish Time Demands an Answer by Carter Conlon | Carter Conlon emphasizes that we are living in a foolish time that demands a response from Christians. He highlights the increasing immorality and mockery of morality in society, u |
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The King's Highway by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. He warns against seeking quick blessings from God wh |