Proverbs 10:32

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

Proverbs 10:32 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:32

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable
To God and man; what is well pleasing to, God, and what ministers grace to the hearers, or what is grateful: and such things they will deliver out; they are used and accustomed to them; not only the righteous know in their judgment what is acceptable, but they use themselves to say those things; they not only know them in theory, but practise them: some men know what is acceptable, but their lips do not know it; they are not used to it, but the contrary; but the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] frowardness;
or perverse things, as before. Or, "the mouth of the wicked [knoweth] frowardness" F2; or perverse things; or is used only to speak froward things; things contrary to truth and righteousness, and which they know to be so; their mouth speaks things contrary to their hearts; their hearts and mouths do not agree, when they both flatter and lie.


FOOTNOTES:

F2 "Novit tantum perversa", Michaelis,

Proverbs 10:32 In-Context

30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.
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.