Proverbs 10:10

10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but the one who rebukes boldly makes 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 The wise of heart will heed commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever follows perverse ways will be found out.
10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but the one who rebukes boldly makes peace.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Gk: Heb [but a babbling fool will come to ruin]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.