Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
Original Language Analysis
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
The lips
H8193
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
The lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
1 of 7
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
יֵדְע֣וּן
know
H3045
יֵדְע֣וּן
know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וּפִ֥י
but the mouth
H6310
וּפִ֥י
but the mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
5 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.Proverbs 12:6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Proverbs 2:12To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;Proverbs 11:11By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Historical Context
Concludes Proverbs 10 by returning to speech ethics theme introduced in v.11. Ancient oral culture particularly valued skill in appropriate speech as essential wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you develop discernment about what speech is acceptable in various contexts?
- What helps you recognize when your speech is becoming froward or perverse?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks frowardness. The righteous possess discernment about appropriate speech - knowing what, when, and how to speak. The wicked speak perverseness habitually. This knowledge isn't merely intellectual but practical wisdom applied to communication. Such discernment flows from wisdom rooted in the fear of God.