Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
Wise people store up knowledge, but foolish people's words lead them toward ruin.
This verse contrasts how wise people carefully gather and keep knowledge while foolish people speak carelessly in ways that bring trouble upon themselves.
📚 Historical Context
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon, written during the time of the united monarchy in ancient Israel around 900 BC. In this era, wisdom was seen as a divine gift that guided people in righteous living and decision-making, drawing from everyday experiences and observations in a society where oral traditions shaped moral instruction. This verse contrasts the value of accumulating knowledge for protection with the dangers of foolish speech, reflecting the cultural emphasis on prudence in ancient Near Eastern communities.
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