14:3
The Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures has been used as the source line for 14:3a because it follows the recommended textual option. Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:
3a
In the mouth of a fool is a rod of haughtiness,
3b but the lips of the wise protect them.
This proverb contrasts the many words of a proud fool with the cautious words of the wise. The fool’s words show his pride. They result in pain or trouble for others and/or himself. By contrast, the words of the wise protect them from harm.
14:3a–b
(Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures) The mouth of a fool…the lips of the wise: These parallel phrases are figures of speech. The words mouth and lips represent the words that a person speaks.
14:3a
(Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures) In the mouth of a fool is a rod of haughtiness: There is a textual issue here:
(1) The Masoretic Text has “rod/shoot of pride.” For example:
Pride sprouts in the mouth of the fool (New Jerusalem Bible)
(2) Some scholars think that the original text had the word “back” instead of “pride,” meaning “rod for his back.” For example:
The talk of fools is a rod for their backs (New Revised Standard Version)
It is recommended that you follow option (1), along with most scholars. There is no support in the ancient versions for the word “back.”
(Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures) fool: In Hebrew, this word for fool refers to someone who does stupid and wrong things because of his evil character. It is also implied that he is arrogant and stubborn.
(Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures) a rod of haughtiness: The phrase that the Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures translates as a rod of haughtiness is a metaphor. There are two ways to interpret the word rod and its relationship to the word haughtiness. (In Hebrew, this word for rod is not the same word as in 10:13.)
(1) The word rod refers to a cane or stick. It implies punishment, in contrast to protection in 14:3b. It also has this meaning in Aramaic, a closely related language. With this interpretation, this line means that a fool’s proud words cause trouble or punishment for others and/or himself. For example:
A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride (New International Version (2011))
-or-
Fools will be punished for their proud words (New Century Version)
(2) The word rod refers to a shoot or tender branch. It implies flourishing growth. It has this meaning in Isaiah 11:1, the only other place where this word occurs in the OT. With this interpretation, this line means that pride grows or flourishes in the mouth of a fool. For example:
Pride sprouts in the mouth of the fool (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Proud fools talk too much (Good News Translation)
It is recommended that you translate this line in a way that includes both interpretations (1) and (2). For two ways to do this, see the meaning lines in the Display for 14:3a. Also see the summary after the parallel line display in 14:3 above.
14:3b
but the lips of the wise protect them: In contrast to the many proud words of the fool, this line may imply that the wise people speak with caution or restraint. Some other ways to translate this line are:
but wise people are protected by their speech (God’s Word)
-or-
but the words of the wise keep them safe (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
but wise people protect themselves ⌊by using caution/restraint⌋ in their words
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