Craig T. Owens

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)

One’s open mouth—and closed ears and mind—says a lot of one’s heart! In this 18th chapter of Proverbs, Solomon draws a pretty stark contrast between the mouth and ears of a fool and of a wise person. Check out the links on each of the verses to Bible Gateway to get a full picture of both the fool and the wise person.

The fool…

• His lips bring him trouble, a smack on the jaw, and may even cost him his life. And yet he keeps on spouting foolishness. He’s not interested in getting any better (vv. 6, 7).
• His ears gobble up the latest gossip (v. 8).
• He fires off an answer before really listening (v. 13).
• His quick, careless words creates the poison food that he continues to eat (v. 21).

The wise…

• He is always learning how to use his words in a God-honoring, soul-benefitting way (v. 4).
• He avoids “cheap candy” gossip (v. 8).
• He listens fully before trying to respond (v. 13).
• He asks good, clarifying questions (v. 17).
• His wise words creates the healthy food that nourishes him (v. 20).

So… are you being wise or foolish with your mouth and ears?