Proverbs 12:6
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Original Language Analysis
דִּבְרֵ֣י
The words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֣י
The words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
of the wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
דָּ֑ם
for blood
H1818
דָּ֑ם
for blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
4 of 7
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
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
Historical Context
Reflects Israel's experience where false accusations and slander could result in execution (think Naboth, 1 Kings 21). Righteous speech provided defense against such deadly schemes.
Questions for Reflection
- Are your words setting traps to harm others or bringing deliverance?
- How can you use speech redemptively to deliver rather than to destroy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. Wicked speech sets ambushes seeking to harm; righteous speech brings deliverance. The military imagery presents speech as weapon - wicked use words to destroy; righteous use words to save. Such speech flows from character - wicked hearts produce deadly words; upright hearts produce life-giving words.