Proverbs 10:8
A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.
A wise heart
The phrase "a wise heart" in Hebrew is "לֵב חָכָם" (lev chacham). The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Wisdom, or "חָכָם" (chacham), is a key theme in Proverbs, signifying not just knowledge but the skillful application of knowledge in daily life. A "wise heart" suggests an inner disposition that is attuned to God's will, open to instruction, and eager to apply divine principles. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, reflecting a life aligned with God's truth.

will receive commandments
The Hebrew word for "receive" is "יִקַּח" (yiqqach), which implies an active, willing acceptance. "Commandments" or "מִצְוֹת" (mitzvot) are divine instructions or laws. In the context of Proverbs, receiving commandments is an act of humility and obedience, recognizing the authority of God's word. This phrase underscores the importance of being teachable and responsive to God's guidance, which is a hallmark of true wisdom. It reflects a posture of submission and a desire to live according to God's righteous standards.

but a babbling fool
The term "babbling fool" in Hebrew is "וּשְׂפַת כְּסִיל" (usefat kesil). "Kesil" refers to a fool, someone who is morally deficient and lacks discernment. The word "babbling" suggests excessive, thoughtless speech, characterized by a lack of self-control and wisdom. In contrast to the wise heart, the babbling fool is closed to instruction, preferring to speak rather than listen. This behavior is often self-destructive, as it reveals a heart that is not aligned with God's wisdom.

will come to ruin
The phrase "will come to ruin" is translated from the Hebrew "יִלָּבֵט" (yillabet), meaning to be overthrown or to fall into calamity. This outcome is the natural consequence of rejecting wisdom and divine instruction. The fool's downfall is not merely a result of external circumstances but is rooted in their own choices and attitudes. This serves as a warning that a life devoid of wisdom and obedience to God's commandments leads to inevitable destruction. It highlights the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and living apart from God's wisdom results in spiritual and often physical ruin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom, who compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. The Wise Heart
Represents individuals who are discerning and open to receiving guidance and instruction.

3. The Babbling Fool
Symbolizes those who are reckless with their words and dismissive of wisdom, leading to their downfall.
Teaching Points
The Value of a Receptive Heart
A wise heart is characterized by humility and a willingness to learn. This openness to instruction is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity.

The Dangers of Reckless Speech
The "babbling fool" is a warning against careless and excessive talking. Words have power, and unchecked speech can lead to personal and relational ruin.

The Importance of Obedience
Receiving commandments implies not just hearing but also obeying. True wisdom is demonstrated through action and adherence to God's Word.

Cultivating Discernment
Developing a wise heart involves seeking God's wisdom through prayer, study, and reflection, allowing His commandments to guide our decisions and actions.

Consequences of Ignorance
Ignoring wisdom and instruction leads to negative outcomes. The fool's ruin serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of heeding God's guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we cultivate a "wise heart" that is open to receiving commandments in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does our culture encourage "babbling" or reckless speech, and how can we guard against it?

3. Reflect on a time when you either benefited from receiving wise instruction or faced consequences from ignoring it. What did you learn from that experience?

4. How does the teaching in Proverbs 10:8 relate to Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are not only hearers of the Word but doers, as encouraged in James 1:19-22?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 1:19-22
This passage emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen and slow to speak, aligning with the idea of a wise heart receiving commandments.

Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the consequences of hearing and acting on His words versus ignoring them.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
These verses caution against hasty speech and highlight the value of thoughtful words, similar to the contrast between the wise and the foolish in Proverbs 10:8.
A Prating FoolR. Wardlaw.Proverbs 10:8
The Wise Take Advice, Fools Only Give ItW. Arnot, D D.Proverbs 10:8
Folly and Wisdom in Manifold ContrastE. Johnson Proverbs 10:8-10
The Service of Speech, EtcW. Clarkson Proverbs 10:8, 10, 11, 14, 18-21, 31, 32
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Accept, Accepteth, Babbling, Chattering, Commandments, Commands, Fall, Fool, Foolish, Heart, Heed, Kicketh, Prating, Receive, Receiveth, Ruin, Ruined, Ruled, Talk, Talkative, Wise, Wise-hearted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 10:8

     6604   acceptance, human
     8367   wisdom, importance of
     8757   folly, effects of
     8760   fools, characteristics

Proverbs 10:8-9

     8365   wisdom, human

Library
The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working
'The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.'--PROVERBS x. 29. You observe that the words 'shall be,' in the last clause, are a supplement. They are quite unnecessary, and in fact they rather hinder the sense. They destroy the completeness of the antithesis between the two halves of the verse. If you leave them out, and suppose that the 'way of the Lord' is what is spoken of in both clauses, you get a far deeper and fuller meaning. 'The way
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. General declamations against vice and sin are indeed excellently useful, as rousing men to consider and look about them: but they do often want effect, because they only raise confused apprehensions of things, and indeterminate propensions to action; which usually, before men thoroughly perceive or resolve what they should practise, do decay and vanish. As he that cries out "Fire!" doth stir up people, and inspireth them with a kind of hovering
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. I have formerly in this place, discoursing upon this text, explained the nature of the sin here condemned, with its several kinds and ways of practising. II. I shall now proceed to declare the folly of it; and to make good by divers reasons the assertion of the wise man, that "He who uttereth slander is a fool." 1. Slandering is foolish, as sinful and wicked. All sin is foolish upon many accounts; as proceeding from ignorance, error, inconsiderateness,
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
In the discussion of this subject, I shall show-- I. What constitute the sanctions of law. 1. The sanctions of law are the motives to obedience, the natural and the governmental consequences or results of obedience and of disobedience. 2. They are remuneratory, that is, they promise reward to obedience. 3. They are vindicatory, that is, they threaten the disobedient with punishment. 4. They are natural, that is, happiness is to some extent naturally connected with, and the necessary consequence of,
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Lii. Trust in God.
15th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. vi. 31. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." INTRODUCTION.--We read in ancient Roman history that a general named Aemilius Paulus was appointed to the Roman army in a time of war and great apprehension. He found in the army a sad condition of affairs, there were more officers than fighting men, and all these officers wanted to have their advice taken, and the war conducted in accordance with their several opinions. Then Aemilius Paulus
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 12.) Differently to be admonished are the simple and the insincere. The simple are to be praised for studying never to say what is false, but to be admonished to know how sometimes to be silent about what is true. For, as falsehood has always harmed him that speaks it, so sometimes the hearing of truth has done harm to some. Wherefore the Lord before His disciples, tempering His speech with silence, says, I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now (Joh. xvi. 12).
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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