Proverbs 10:10

10 Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble, but one who openly criticizes works for peace.

Proverbs 10:10 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:10

He that winketh with the eye
The Syriac and Arabic versions add, "with fraud". A descriptive character of a wicked man, ( Proverbs 6:13 ) ; who so does, either to draw and allure persons to go along with him, and join him in his evil practices; or by way of scorn and contempt of others; or as a token to another of its being the proper time to circumvent his neighbour, or do him an injury. Such an one causeth sorrow;
to himself in the issue, however he may for the present please himself with his evil doings; and to others, whom he allures and deceives. The Arabic version is, "heaps afflictions" or "sorrows on men"; whom he corrupts and draws into his evil company and conversation; but a prating fool shall fall;
or, "be taken", as the Targum; or "beaten", as the Vulgate Latin; (See Gill on Proverbs 10:8).

Proverbs 10:10 In-Context

8 Sensible people accept good advice. People who talk foolishly will come to ruin.
9 Honest people are safe and secure, but the dishonest will be caught.
10 Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble, but one who openly criticizes works for peace.
11 A good person's words are a fountain of life, but a wicked person's words hide a violent nature.
12 Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [One ancient translation] but one . . . peace; [Hebrew repeats verse 8b.]
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.