Proverbs 10:32

32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Proverbs 10:32 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
New Living Translation (NLT)
32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.
The Message Bible (MSG)
32 The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it.
American Standard Version (ASV)
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; But the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] perverseness.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
32 The lips of a righteous person announce good will, but the mouths of wicked people are devious.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
32 The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate, but the mouth of the wicked, [only] what is perverse.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
32 Those who do right know the proper thing to say. But those who do wrong speak only twisted words.

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 uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.
32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Ecclesiastes 10:12
  • 2. S Psalms 59:7
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.