Proverbs 18:7 Meaning and Explanation
“A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A fool's own words are the trap that destroys him.
The Context of Proverbs 18:7
The fool's words are self-destructive; he is caught in his own trap.
What Does Proverbs 18:7 Mean?
A fool's mouth is his destruction—his own speech becomes the instrument of his downfall. He is not harmed by others' words but by his own; he undermines himself through what he says, revealing folly and inviting judgment.
His lips are the snare of his soul—like a trap set for an animal, the fool's own words catch and entangle him. He has imprisoned himself through speech, trapped by his own foolishness.
Proverbs 18:7 in the Original Language
snare (פַּח, pach), 'trap' or 'snare' — a hidden or concealed device meant to catch prey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 18:7
What does Proverbs 18:7 mean?
A fool's own words are the trap that destroys him.
What is the context of Proverbs 18:7?
The fool's words are self-destructive; he is caught in his own trap.