Proverbs 10:14 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:14 mean?

Proverbs 10:14 describes how wise people store up knowledge, keeping what they learn for the right time, while foolish people speak carelessly and bring themselves close to ruin. The verse contrasts the quiet, careful approach of the wise with the dangerous talk of the foolish.

King Solomon is speaking to his son and to all who seek wisdom, painting a picture of two kinds of people: those who quietly gather wisdom and those who talk without thinking. The verse warns that reckless words can lead to trouble, while wisdom is something to be treasured and kept safe.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:14

• "Wise" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word means someone skilled or experienced, not just smart. In Proverbs, it often points to someone who lives carefully and thoughtfully.
• "Lay up" (צָפַן, tsāphan): This verb means to store or hide something valuable. The idea is that wise people treat knowledge like a treasure, saving it for when it is truly needed.
• "Mouth" (פֶּה, peh): The focus on the mouth highlights how words can be powerful, for good or for harm.
• "Destruction" (מְחִתָּה, meḥittāh): This word means ruin or collapse, showing that careless speech can have serious consequences.

Why Proverbs 10:14 matters

• Proverbs 10:14 clears up the idea that wisdom is only about knowing things; it shows that wise people also know when to speak and when to stay quiet.
• The verse emphasizes that words are not harmless—what we say can either protect us or put us in danger.
• This proverb fits into a larger section where Solomon contrasts the wise and the foolish, helping readers see the practical results of their choices.