Proverbs 17:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 17:20
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 17 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, sacrifice, worship. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 17:20
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Analysis
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. Iqqesh-lev lo yimtsa-tov (עִקֶּשׁ־לֵב לֹא יִמְצָא־טוֹב, crooked of heart finds no good). Twisted hearts prevent finding blessing. Venehpakh bilshono yippol bera'ah (וְנֶהְפָּךְ בִּלְשׁוֹנוֹ יִפּוֹל בְּרָעָה, and perverted in tongue falls into evil). Perverse speech brings calamity. The proverb teaches that internal crookedness (heart) and external crookedness (tongue) both produce bad outcomes. Jeremiah 17:9 declares the heart is deceitfully wicked. Only God can create clean hearts (Psalm 51:10), transforming speech (Ephesians 4:29).
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom recognized heart-speech connection. Crooked hearts produced crooked words, bringing trouble. Biblical examples: Gehazi's deceitful heart and lying tongue brought leprosy (2 Kings 5:20-27), Ananias and Sapphira's fraud brought death (Acts 5:1-11). Conversely, upright hearts and honest tongues found good—Daniel's integrity brought deliverance and promotion (Daniel 6). Gospel transforms both heart and speech (2 Corinthians 5:17, Luke 6:45).
Reflection
- Does your heart's crookedness prevent you from finding good?
- How has perverse speech fallen you into evil or trouble?
- What does it mean to have God create a clean heart (Psalm 51:10) that produces wholesome speech?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:31