Proverbs 14:3

In ¹  the speech ²  of a fool is a rod for his back, ³  but the words ⁴  of the wise protect them.

1Sa 2:3; Job 5:21; Ps 12:3; Ps 31:18; Ps 52:1,2; Ps 57:4; Pr 12:6; Pr 18:6; Pr 21:24; Pr 22:8; Pr 28:25; Da 7:20; Ro 10:9,10; Jas 3:5,6; 2Pe 2:18; Re 3:10; Re 12:11; Re 15:5,6

¹ tn The preposition בְּ (bet) may denote (1) exchange: “in exchange for” foolish talk there is a rod; or (2) cause: “because of” foolish talk.

² sn The noun פֶּה (peh, “mouth”) functions as a metonymy of cause for what is said (“speech, words, talk”).

³ tc The MT reads גַּאֲוָה (ga’avah, “pride”) which creates an awkward sense “in the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride” (cf. KJV, ASV). The BHS editors suggest emending the form to גֵּוֹה (“disciplining-rod”) to create tighter parallelism and irony: “in the mouth of a fool is a rod for the back” (e.g., Prov 10:13). What the fools says will bring discipline.

tn Heb “a rod of back.” The noun גֵּוֹה functions as a genitive of specification: “a rod for his back.” The fool is punished because of what he says.

⁴ tn Heb “lips.” The term “lips” is a metonymy of cause, meaning what they say. The wise by their speech will find protection.