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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 18 - Verse 7

18:7
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Proverbs serves as a warning against the dangers of speaking recklessly. It illustrates how a person's own words can lead to their downfall if they are not careful with what they say. The metaphor of a fool's mouth being his destruction highlights the idea that foolish or thoughtless speech can have serious consequences. The image of lips being the snare of the soul emphasizes the idea that words can trap a person, causing harm to themselves and others. In a broader sense, this verse can be seen as a reminder to choose our words wisely and to speak with intention and mindfulness. By being mindful of what we say, we can avoid falling into the trap of our own words and steer clear of bringing harm upon ourselves and others.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the concept of folly and its consequences is addressed through the imagery of a person's mouth and lips. The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that the foolish words spoken by a person can lead to their downfall. The idea is that a fool's own words can be the cause of their destruction, as they may speak without thinking, leading to harmful consequences both for themselves and others. The imagery of the lips as a snare for the soul emphasizes the idea that the words spoken by a fool can trap them in a cycle of negativity and sin. This verse serves as a warning against careless speech and highlights the importance of choosing one's words wisely. It is a reminder of the power of words and the impact they can have on a person's life. Through deeper word studies, the verse can be further explored to uncover the nuances and implications of its original language, providing a richer understanding of the message being conveyed.

American Standard Version

A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
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