Proverbs 10:10

10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes 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 are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9 People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.
11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. As in Greek version; Hebrew reads but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
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