Bible Strands
Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Solomon compiles proverbial contrasts for Israel's community leaders regarding daily conduct. The verse sits between a warning about hatred versus love and a warning about the destructive speech of the fool.
The words — The Hebrew תִּמָּצֵא (ti.ma.Tze') means "it is found," directly linked to חָכְמָה (chokh.mah, "wisdom") to indicate its location on the lips of the נָבוֹן (Na.Von, "discerning one"). The phrase וְשֵׁבֶט (ve./She.vet, "and a rod") is assigned to the back of the חֲסַר־לֵב (cha.sar-lev, "lacking heart/judgment").
The thread — The rod imagery reappears in Proverbs 26:3 as corrective action for fools, while the description of one who "lacks judgment" mirrors the self-destructive condition in Proverbs 6:32. The contrast between spoken wisdom and physical correction aligns with the tongue's sustaining power described in Isaiah 50:4.
Why it lands — The text states that discernment yields instructive speech, while folly invites corporal correction. It asks readers to recognize that wise counsel prevents punishment, and to evaluate whether their own words or actions require discipline.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
- Proverbs 6:32 He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
- Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
- Psalms 32:9 Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.
- Proverbs 10:10 He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.
- Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
- Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
- Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
- Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!
- Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.