Proverbs 16:27
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
An ungodly
H1100
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
An ungodly
Strong's:
H1100
Word #:
2 of 8
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
כֹּרֶ֣ה
diggeth up
H3738
כֹּרֶ֣ה
diggeth up
Strong's:
H3738
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.Proverbs 6:14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.Isaiah 5:18Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Proverbs 6:12A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.1 Samuel 25:17Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.
Historical Context
Fire imagery represented uncontrolled destruction in ancient contexts—wildfires, arson, warfare. Malicious speech could destroy reputations, provoke wars, incite violence. Biblical examples include Doeg's slander leading to priests' massacre (1 Samuel 22:9-19), Haman's scheming against Jews (Esther 3), and false witnesses condemning Stephen (Acts 6:11-14). The proverb warned against becoming such destructive people or falling victim to them.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you digging up evil (seeking opportunities to criticize, gossip, slander) or burying it in love (covering offenses)?
- How is your speech like fire—does it warm and illuminate, or burn and destroy?
- What safeguards can prevent your tongue from becoming a destructive fire (James 3:5-6)?
Analysis & Commentary
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. Ish beliyya'al koreh ra'ah (אִישׁ בְּלִיַּעַל כֹּרֶה רָעָה, a worthless man digs up evil). Beliyya'al (בְּלִיַּעַל, worthless, wicked, destructive) describes someone who excavates evil like mining for treasure. Ve'al-sefotav ke'esh tsoreevet (וְעַל־שְׂפֹתָיו כְּאֵשׁ צָרָבֶת, and on his lips like scorching fire). His speech burns destructively. The proverb warns that wicked people actively seek evil and speak destructively. James 3:6 describes the tongue as fire that sets the whole course of nature ablaze. Believers must guard against destructive speech.