Proverbs 16:30
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
Original Language Analysis
עֹצֶ֣ה
He shutteth
H6095
עֹצֶ֣ה
He shutteth
Strong's:
H6095
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to fasten (or make firm), i.e., to close (the eyes)
עֵ֭ינָיו
his eyes
H5869
עֵ֭ינָיו
his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
לַחְשֹׁ֣ב
to devise
H2803
לַחְשֹׁ֣ב
to devise
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
קֹרֵ֥ץ
moving
H7169
קֹרֵ֥ץ
moving
Strong's:
H7169
Word #:
5 of 8
to pinch, i.e., (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice), or (fully) to squeeze off (a piece of clay in order to mould a
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
his lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
his lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
Historical Context
Body language—shutting eyes, pursing lips—communicated in ancient cultures lacking privacy. These gestures revealed someone plotting. Biblical schemers included Absalom (2 Samuel 15), Haman (Esther 3-5), Judas (Matthew 26:14-16). The righteous recognized such signals and avoided conspirators. Christians must not only avoid evil deeds but evil intentions (Matthew 5:27-28, Romans 12:9).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you devising (planning, imagining, fantasizing about) froward things even if not acting on them?
- How does recognizing that God sees thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12-13) affect what you 'shut your eyes to devise'?
- What does taking every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) look like practically?
Analysis & Commentary
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. Otsets eynav lachshov tahpukhot (עֹצֵץ עֵינָיו לַחְשֹׁב תַּהְפֻּכֹת, closing his eyes to devise perverse things). The schemer shuts eyes to concentrate on evil plans. Qorets sefataiv killah ra'ah (קֹרֵץ שְׂפָתָיו כִּלָּה רָעָה, compressing his lips he completes evil). Pursed lips indicate determination to accomplish wickedness. The proverb describes deliberate, calculated evil—not impulsive sin but premeditated wickedness. Such people are especially dangerous and condemned (Proverbs 6:12-15). Christ calls to pure hearts and righteous intentions (Matthew 5:8, 27-28).