Proverbs 17:4

Authorized King James Version

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A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

Original Language Analysis

מֵ֭רַע A wicked doer H7489
מֵ֭רַע A wicked doer
Strong's: H7489
Word #: 1 of 10
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
מַקְשִׁ֣יב giveth heed H7181
מַקְשִׁ֣יב giveth heed
Strong's: H7181
Word #: 2 of 10
to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפַת lips H8193
שְׂפַת lips
Strong's: H8193
Word #: 4 of 10
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
אָ֑וֶן to false H205
אָ֑וֶן to false
Strong's: H205
Word #: 5 of 10
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
שֶׁ֥קֶר and a liar H8267
שֶׁ֥קֶר and a liar
Strong's: H8267
Word #: 6 of 10
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
מֵ֝זִין giveth ear H238
מֵ֝זִין giveth ear
Strong's: H238
Word #: 7 of 10
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְשׁ֥וֹן tongue H3956
לְשׁ֥וֹן tongue
Strong's: H3956
Word #: 9 of 10
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,
הַוֹּֽת׃ to a naughty H1942
הַוֹּֽת׃ to a naughty
Strong's: H1942
Word #: 10 of 10
by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin

Analysis & Commentary

Evildoers 'give heed to false lips' and liars 'give ear to a naughty tongue.' This describes moral affinity: the wicked are attracted to wicked speech. The Hebrew 'awen' (iniquity/false) and 'hawwah' (calamity/mischief) emphasize destructive speech. Reformed theology recognizes that what we listen to reveals and shapes our hearts. Those who love wickedness consume lies; those who love truth reject them. This has implications for media consumption, choice of counselors, and the voices we allow to influence us. We become like what we behold.

Historical Context

False prophets in Israel found receptive audiences among wicked kings and rebellious people (Jeremiah 5:31). The symbiotic relationship between lying speakers and willing listeners perpetuated covenant unfaithfulness.

Questions for Reflection