Pro 14:3 | NETfull | STEP | In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of the wise protect them.

Proverbs 14:3

3 In ^{▼▼ The preposition בְּ (bet) may denote (1) exchange: “in exchange for” foolish talk there is a rod; or (2) cause: “because of” foolish talk.} the speech ^{▼▼ The noun פֶּה (peh, “mouth”) functions as a metonymy of cause for what is said (“speech, words, talk”).} of a fool is a rod for his back, ^{▼▼ The MT reads גַּאֲוָה (ga’avah, “pride”) which creates an awkward sense “in the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride” (cf. KJV, ASV). The BHS editors suggest emending the form to גֵּוֹה (“disciplining-rod”) to create tighter parallelism and irony: “in the mouth of a fool is a rod for the back” (e.g., Prov 10:13). What the fools says will bring discipline.} ^{▼▼ Heb “a rod of back.” The noun גֵּוֹה functions as a genitive of specification: “a rod for his back.” The fool is punished because of what he says.}
but the words ^{▼▼ Heb “lips.” The term “lips” is a metonymy of cause, meaning what they say. The wise by their speech will find protection.} of the wise protect them.