Bible Strands
Proverbs 10:8
A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author of Proverbs addresses learners within a structured collection of wisdom contrasts, positioning this verse between statements about the lasting legacy of the righteous and the security of the upright.
The words — לֵ֭ב (lev) literally means "heart," denoting the inner seat of understanding and disposition, while יִלָּבֵֽט (yi.la.Vet) literally means "he will be ruined" or reduced to nothing.
The thread — The pattern of heeding correction versus suffering from unguarded speech recurs in Proverbs 12:1, Matthew 7:24, and James 3:13.
Why it lands — The text states that a receptive inner life accepts instruction while reckless speech produces ruin, demanding that readers prioritize disciplined hearing over impulsive talking.
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
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Cross-references
- Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
- Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
- James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
- Psalms 119:34 Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.
- Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.
- Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel
- Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
- Proverbs 18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
- Proverbs 10:10 He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.