Proverbs 18:7

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about our communications:

Proverbs 18:7 (ESV)

A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

In Psalm 14:1 we read that a fool has said in his heart there is no God.   The fool's mouth truly brings him ruin.   When a fool's mouth speaks and his lips move, he reveals what is in his heart.   His words snare his soul.   It is not the actual words he utters that ruin him, it is that his words reveal and expose his heart.  And, his heart is corrupt.  Just as the eyes are windows to the soul, so the tongue reveals the content of the heart.   We only have to listen to someone for awhile to find out their bent toward folly.   The heart of the fool loves to speak about themselves and reveal their contempt for truth and for God.   The previous proverbs in this chapter and later demonstrate the truths of this proverb, as well.   The lips of the fool continue to pour forth contempt for the law of God.   Just listen.  For more verses that reflect the same thought:

Proverbs 10:14

The wise lay up knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Proverbs 12:13

An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,

but the righteous escapes from trouble.

Proverbs 13:3

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;

he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

(See also Ps. 64:8; 140:9; Eccles. 10:12)