King James Version

What Does Proverbs 10:8 Mean?

Proverbs 10:8 in the King James Version says “The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. a prating: Heb. a fool of lips fall: Heb. be...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. a prating: Heb. a fool of lips fall: Heb. be beaten”

Proverbs 10:8 · KJV

Context

6

Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8

The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. a prating: Heb. a fool of lips fall: Heb. be beaten

9

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10

He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. fall: Heb. be beaten

Read Proverbs 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wise in heart will receive commandments, but a prating fool shall fall. The wise eagerly receive authoritative instruction, while the talkative fool who loves hearing himself speak will come to ruin. The contrast between receiving and prating emphasizes listening versus speaking. Those who talk more than listen miss instruction and fall into error. Wise humility receives correction; foolish pride dispenses opinions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects oral culture where receiving instruction through listening was primary educational method. Fools who talked constantly rather than listening carefully failed to acquire wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you talk more than listen when receiving instruction or correction?
  2. How can you cultivate teachable humility that receives rather than debates commandments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
חֲכַם1 of 7

“The wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

לֵ֭ב2 of 7

“in heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

יִקַּ֣ח3 of 7

“will receive”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִצְוֹ֑ת4 of 7

“commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וֶאֱוִ֥יל5 of 7

“fool”

H191

(figuratively) silly

שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם6 of 7

“but a prating”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

יִלָּבֵֽט׃7 of 7

“shall fall”

H3832

to overthrow; intransposed, to fall

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 10:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:24-25Proverbs 12:1James 3:13Psalms 119:34Proverbs 9:9Proverbs 1:5

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