The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
When wise people speak, they use their knowledge properly and helpfully. But foolish people just pour out nonsense from their mouths.
This verse teaches that wise people think before they speak and share knowledge helpfully, while foolish people just blurt out whatever comes to mind.
📚 Historical Context
Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature attributed to King Solomon, written around 900 BC in ancient Israel, as part of a broader tradition of teachings aimed at guiding people in righteous living. It reflects a culture where oral proverbs were essential for education and moral instruction, emphasizing the power of words in social and familial contexts. This verse specifically draws from the common ancient Near Eastern theme of contrasting wise and foolish behavior to promote thoughtful speech.
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