Proverbs 16:27

27 A worthless person digs up evil [gossip] it is like scorching fire on his lips.

Proverbs 16:27 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:27

An ungodly man diggeth up evil
Or "a man of Belial" ^F16, a worthless unprofitable man; a man without a yoke, not obedient to the law of God; such a man digs for sin as for a treasure; nor need he go far for it, he has enough in his own heart, out of the evil treasure of which he brings forth evil things; though he is more solicitious and diligent to search into the sins of others, and dig up them, which have long lain buried; as the Manichees raked up the sins of Austin in his youth; and as the Papists served Beza: but perhaps the evil of mischief is here rather intended, which a wicked man contrives and devises; a ditch he digs for others, though oftentimes he falls into it himself; and so the Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, "digs evils for himself"; not intentionally but eventually; see ( Psalms 7:15 ) ; and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire;
his tongue is a fire, it is set on fire of hell, and it sets on fire the course of nature; and with its lies, calumnies, and detractions, devours and consumer the good names, characters, and credit of men; and deserves no other than sharp arrows of the Almighty, and coals of juniper; even the everlasting fire and flames of hell, ( James 3:6 ) ( Psalms 52:2 Psalms 52:4 ) ( Psalms 120:3 Psalms 120:4 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F16 (leylb vya) "vir Belijahal", Montanus, Tigurine version, Mercerus.

Proverbs 16:27 In-Context

25 There can be a way which seems right to a person, but at its end are the ways of death.

26 A working man's appetite acts on his behalf, because his hunger presses him on.

27 A worthless person digs up evil [gossip] it is like scorching fire on his lips.

28 A deceitful person stirs up strife, and a slanderer can separate even close friends.

29 A violent man lures his neighbor astray and leads him into evil ways.