Proverbs 18:6-7 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 

‘His destruction’ – Unlike the wise, who are saved by their discretion, the fool is destroyed by his own words. His speech backfires, causing broken relationships, lost opportunities, humiliation, or worse. The idea is that his downfall comes not from others, but from his own mouth.

‘The snare of his soul.’ The fool traps himself with his lips. A “snare” (Hebrew: mōqēsh) is a trap used to catch animals, here applied metaphorically. His speech catches his soul, his life, character, and inner being. This could mean eternal ruin, loss of integrity, or deep self-inflicted pain. His foolishness isn’t just external; it ensnares his very life.

Our words shape our destiny. Foolish, careless, or arrogant speech doesn’t just hurt others; it can trap us spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. True wisdom teaches restraint, humility, and careful speech.

The point is not just that foolish words are annoying; they are dangerous. They ruin lives, fracture relationships, and trap the speaker in consequences that are often irreversible.

Elsewhere in Proverbs, wise speech is contrasted with wisdom as: A tree of life (15:4), apples of gold in settings of silver (25:11), and a fountain of life (10:11). Where the fool’s mouth brings ruin, the wise person’s words bring healing, peace, and life.

Scripture consistently teaches that our mouth reveals our heart (Luke 6:45), and our words shape our lives. In a world full of noise and verbal combat, Proverbs 18:6-7 calls us to reverence, restraint, and wisdom in what we say.

Proverbs 18:6-7 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 

‘Enter into contention’ – The fool (Hebrew: kᵊsîl) is again central, one who is morally dull, resistant to wisdom, and full of self-confidence. His speech habitually stirs up strife, arguments, and quarrels. His lips “enter into contention,” meaning he is often the instigator, not accidentally, but by nature. Where wise people bring peace, the fool brings conflict, with little thought for the consequences.

‘His mouth calls for strokes.’ This is Hebrew poetic irony. The fool’s mouth metaphorically “calls for” beatings (strokes). His words are so provocative, reckless, and offensive that he practically invites punishment, whether legal, social, or even physical. In ancient culture, this could refer to literal punishment (such as lashes) or figurative discipline, isolation, shame, and retaliation.

Be careful with your words; a contentious tongue creates enemies. Foolish speech doesn’t just offend; it draws discipline and judgment, often justly deserved.

To be continued…