Proverbs 10:8

The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

The wise take advice, fools only give it

Here is one of the most valuable results of wisdom. It is not what it gives, but what it receives. It receives commandments. This receptiveness is a prime characteristic of the new heart. As the thirsty ground drinks in the rain, so the wise in heart long for, and live upon, God’s Word. This receptiveness is a most precious feature of character. Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled. “A prating fool shall fall.” All his folly comes out. The fool, being empty, busies himself giving out instead of taking in, and he becomes still more empty. From him that hath not shall be taken. He is known, by the noise he makes, to be a tinkling cymbal. People would not have known that his head was so hollow if he had not been constantly ringing on it. To receive a lesson and put it in practice implies a measure of humility; whereas to lay down the law to others is grateful incense to a man’s pride and self-importance. The Lord Himself pointed to the unsuspecting receptiveness of a little child, and said that this is the way to enter the kingdom. (W. Arnot, D D.)

A prating fool

A fool of lips; a lip-fool.

1. The self-conceited are generally superficial. There is much talk and little substance; words without sense; plenty of tongue, but a lack of wit. Light matter floats on the surface, and appears to all; what is solid and precious lies at the bottom. The foam is on the face of the waters; the pearl is below.

2. The reference may be to the bluster of insubordination; the loud protestations and boastings of his independence on the part of the man who resists authority and determines to be “a law unto himself.” (R. Wardlaw.)