Proverbs 17:20

Authorized King James Version

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עִקֶּשׁ
He that hath a froward
distorted; hence, false
#2
לֵ֭ב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִמְצָא
findeth
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#5
ט֑וֹב
no good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#6
וְנֶהְפָּ֥ךְ
and he that hath a perverse
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#7
בִּ֝לְשׁוֹנ֗וֹ
tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#8
יִפּ֥וֹל
falleth
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#9
בְּרָעָֽה׃
into mischief
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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