The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 10:14
What does Proverbs 10:14 mean?
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Proverbs 10:14
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This verse highlights that the wise don't just have knowledge, they "lay it up" like a treasure, ready to be brought out at the right time. In contrast, the fool's "mouth" isn't just careless; it's actively bringing destruction close, like a disaster waiting to happen with every unguarded word.
The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts the characteristics and outcomes of the wise and the foolish. It directly follows verses that speak about diligence and laziness, and precedes more sayings about speech and action. The focus here is on how readily available knowledge and the impulsive speech of a fool both have significant consequences.
Ever notice how some people seem to always know what to say, and when to say it? It's not magic, it's intentionality.
The verse contrasts two approaches to knowledge. The wise don't just have knowledge; they 'lay it up.' Think of it like a carefully curated savings account or a well-organized toolbox.
What's the difference between a casual comment and a word that invites disaster? For the fool, the line is dangerously thin.
The second half of the verse paints a stark picture of the fool's speech. Their words don't just lead to ruin; they are 'near destruction.' This implies a constant, imminent threat.
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Understand the original words
da'ath · Hebrew Noun
Intellectual and moral truth gained through instruction and experience; it is a treasure to be gathered and stored in the heart.
eviyl · Hebrew Noun
One who is morally deficient, obstinate, or hardened against correction; characterized by rejecting God’s wisdom and living according to one's own desires.
mechittah · Hebrew Noun
Destruction, collapse, or down-fall; the inevitable result of ignoring God’s instruction and speaking or acting in folly.
This passage echoes Proverbs by highlighting that what a person stores in their heart (their knowledge, their thoughts) will eventually come out of their mouth, underscoring the importance of what we 'lay up'.
Matthew 13:52Jesus likens a disciple who has learned about the kingdom of heaven to a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old, illustrating the concept of 'laying up knowledge' to be used wisely.
Proverbs 12:23This verse provides a direct parallel, stating that 'a prudent person conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness,' reinforcing the idea of wise retention versus foolish disclosure.
James 1:19This verse offers practical wisdom by urging believers to be 'quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry,' directly addressing the foolishness of rash speech that Proverbs warns against.
Proverbs 18:21This verse powerfully states 'the tongue has the power of life and death,' which directly connects to the proverb's warning that a fool's words bring ruin, while wise words (implied) can bring something beneficial.
clarkeProverbs 10:14: "Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction."
Wise men lay up knowledge - They keep secret every thing that has a tendency to disturb domestic or public peace; but the foolish man blabs all out, and produces much mischief. Think much, speak little, and always think before you speak. This will promote your own peace and that of your neighbor.
pooleProverbs 10:14: "Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction."
Wise men lay up, to wit, in their minds and memories, to be brought forth thence upon fit occasions, knowledge; whereby they may be enabled to speak both what and when it is seasonable, for their own or others’ good. The mouth of the foolish is near destruction; fools are more forward to lay out than to lay up, and for want of knowledge speak much and foolishly, whereby they frequently bring destructi…
This verse highlights that the wise don't just have knowledge, they "lay it up" like a treasure, ready to be brought out at the right time. In contrast, the fool's "mouth" isn't just careless; it's actively bringing destruction close, like a disaster waiting to happen with every unguarded word.
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts the characteristics and outcomes of the wise and the foolish. It directly follows verses that speak about diligence and laziness, and precedes more sayings about speech and action. The focus here is on how readily available knowledge and the impulsive speech of a fool both have significant consequences.
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts the characteristics and outcomes of the wise and the foolish. It directly follows verses that speak about diligence and laziness, and precedes more sayings about speech and action. The focus here is on how readily available knowledge and the impulsive speech of a fool both have significant consequences.
"The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near." — This verse highlights that the wise don't just have knowledge, they "lay it up" like a treasure, ready to be brought out at the right time. In contrast, the fool's "mouth" isn't just careless; it's…
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Last reviewed October 2026