Proverbs 10:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
בְּשִׂפְתֵ֣י
In the lips
H8193
בְּשִׂפְתֵ֣י
In the lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
1 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
נָ֭בוֹן
of him that hath understanding
H995
נָ֭בוֹן
of him that hath understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
2 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
תִּמָּצֵ֣א
is found
H4672
תִּמָּצֵ֣א
is found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
וְ֝שֵׁ֗בֶט
but a rod
H7626
וְ֝שֵׁ֗בֶט
but a rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
5 of 8
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
Cross References
Proverbs 26:3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.Proverbs 6:32But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Psalms 32:9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.Proverbs 10:21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.Proverbs 17:10A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.Proverbs 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Proverbs 27:22Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.Proverbs 10:31The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.Proverbs 20:15There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Historical Context
Corporal punishment was standard pedagogy in ancient world. The verse doesn't mandate physical discipline but observes that those who won't learn through instruction learn through consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you learning wisdom through understanding or requiring painful 'rod' of consequences?
- How does God discipline you when you resist learning through His Word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him void of understanding. Understanding produces wise speech; lack of understanding requires corporal discipline. The rod isn't arbitrary punishment but pedagogy for those who won't learn through instruction. This reflects ancient pedagogy using physical discipline. The principle: wisdom is better acquired through understanding than through painful consequences.