Proverbs 10:32 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.

CSB: The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate, but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.

NLT: The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

KJV: The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

NKJV: The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

There are two ways to interpret the term "know" in this context. One is the idea of information and awareness, the other is of experience. Both apply to the words that naturally come from those who are spiritually wise, and those who are foolish. Wise people know the correct things to say (Proverbs 10:13), and when it's best not to speak, at all (Proverbs 10:19). Wicked people are inclined to saying hateful or inflammatory things (Proverbs 10:18), knowing full well they're being unreasonable (Proverbs 10:23).

When Jesus spoke in the synagogue at Nazareth, His words greatly impressed the listeners. They "spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth" (Luke 4:22). The Bible has given us sufficient teaching about gracious speaking that we know what words please Him and bless others. Sinful speech does not stem from a lack of knowledge but from a disobedient heart. The wicked also know what gracious speech is, but they choose to employ perverted speech. Because their hearts are corrupt, their mouths utter corrupt language.

The problem of this kind of sin is not about syllables or sounds. What constitutes inappropriate speech varies drastically by culture and region. The intent is what matters—and this is a major problem with modern culture. Today, language in movies, music, and television is often offensive for the sake of being offensive. The same often applies to speech heard in public. Wisdom produces acceptable speech, whereas a lack of wisdom produces offensive, perverted speech. That so many people in the modern world rely on warped words is an indictment of the culture's spiritual health.

This chapter begins 375 "proverbs," which are general-case lessons or observations. These wise remarks continue the discussion of wisdom and wickedness begun in chapters 1—9. Most of the verses in chapter 10 contain a sharp contrast, with the conjunction "but" separating the lines. Often, the subject changes from verse to verse. The contrasting subjects include sons, treasure, work ethic, reputation, relationships, success, and speech.

In Proverbs 7—9 Solomon contrasts wisdom and wickedness in the symbolic persons of Lady Wisdom and Woman Folly. He calls upon his sons, or students, to choose wisdom, and he points out the benefits of choosing wisdom and the disastrous results of choosing wickedness. Chapter 10 presents vivid contrasts between wisdom and wickedness in many of life's settings. These comparisons continue into chapter 11.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.