Proverbs 10:32
Proverbs 10:32 in Multiple Translations
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; But the mouth of the wicked speaketh perverseness.
The lips of the upright man have knowledge of what is pleasing, but twisted are the mouths of evil-doers.
Good people know the right thing to say, but the wicked always lie.
The lips of the righteous knowe what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh froward things.
The lips of the righteous know a pleasing thing, And the mouth of the wicked perverseness!
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
The lips of the just consider what is acceptable: and the mouth of the wicked uttereth perverse things.
Righteous people [MTY] know what to say that is acceptable, but wicked people [MTY] are constantly saying things that are not true.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
צַ֭דִּיק
יֵדְע֣וּ/ן
רָצ֑וֹן
וּ/פִ֥י
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יֵדְע֣וּ/ן
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
רָצ֑וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
perversity
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:32
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יֵדְע֣וּ/ן
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
רָצ֑וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
"perversity"
N-fp
This word means being stubborn or disobedient, often in a harmful way. It describes actions that go against God's will, like in Deuteronomy where it warns against turning away from God. In Proverbs, it talks about the dangers of a perverse heart.
Definition: perversity, perverse thing
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 2:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:32
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:32
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
30The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.
31The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:28 | The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:6 | The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. |
| 3 | Proverbs 11:11 | By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 5 | Proverbs 2:12 | to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, |
| 6 | Proverbs 18:6–8 | A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 12:10 | The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth. |
| 8 | Proverbs 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. |
| 9 | Titus 2:8 | and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 10:12 | The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. |
Proverbs 10:32 Summary
This verse means that people who love and follow God have a special understanding of what words are helpful and kind, and they use these words to build others up. On the other hand, those who do not follow God often say hurtful or mean things. As seen in Ephesians 4:29, we are called to use our words to bless and encourage others, and to avoid saying anything that might hurt or tear them down. By following God's guidance and being mindful of our words, we can bring joy and life to those around us, just like Proverbs 15:4 says that gentle words bring life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the lips of the righteous to know what is fitting?
This means that those who follow God and live according to His will have a deep understanding of what is right and proper to say in any given situation, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 where it says to let no unwholesome word proceed out of our mouth.
How can I know if my words are fitting or perverse?
We can know by comparing our words to the standard of Scripture, such as in Colossians 4:6 where it says to season our speech with salt, and also by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's conviction in our hearts.
Is it possible for a wicked person to change and become righteous?
Yes, through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, anyone can be transformed and become a new creation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17, and their words can become fitting and wise.
What is the consequence of having a perverse mouth?
According to Proverbs 10:31, a perverse tongue will be cut out, meaning that it will ultimately lead to one's own downfall and judgment, as also seen in Proverbs 26:28 where it says that a lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper understanding of what is fitting to say in different situations?
- How can I balance being truthful with being kind and gentle in my speech?
- In what ways have I seen the power of fitting words bring life and blessing to others, and how can I apply this in my own relationships?
- What are some common pitfalls or temptations that can lead to perverse speech, and how can I avoid them?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
Know, to wit, practically, so as to consider and speak. Knowledge is here ascribed to the lips, as it is to the hands , because they are conducted by knowledge and wisdom. What is acceptable to God and good men, or what is truly worthy of acceptation; for this is opposed to what is froward or wicked in the next clause.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] frowardness.Ver. 32. The lips of the righteous.] He carries, as it were, a pair of balances between his lips, and weighs his words before he utters them. Et prodesse volens et delectare - willing to speak things both acceptable and profitable. The wicked throws out anything that lies uppermost, though never so absurd, obscene, defamatory, &c. “ Aera puto nosci tinnitu, sed pestora verbis: Sic est, namque id sunt utraque quale sonant. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
(32) What is acceptable.—To God and man. (Comp. the gracious words which proceeded out of Christ’s lips, Luke 4:22.) Speaketh frowardness.—Rather, is mere falsehood, misrepresentation. (See above on Proverbs 8:30.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
Verse 32. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable] And what they believe to be most pleasing and most profitable, that they speak, but the wicked man knows as well what is perverse, and that he speaketh forth. As the love of God is not in his heart, so the law of kindness is not on his lips.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:32
32. speaketh] So R.V. text: “is,” R.V. marg. Others supply the verb “knoweth” from the first clause, as in Proverbs 10:29.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:32
Know - i. e., “Know, and therefore utter.” So, in like manner, the “mouth of the wicked” knows, and therefore speaks frowardness, and that only.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:32
32. Lips of the righteous know — Distinguish and relish — have a taste for that which is øöåï, (ratson,) acceptable, pleasing, that which is good, right, and kind.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Power of the Tongue by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and its potential for both life and death. He urges listeners to speak truthfully and to restrain themselves in conve |
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(Costa Rica) Another Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story abo |
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Preachers in the Last Days by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of uncompromising preaching and safe spiritual fellowship for Christians worldwide. He highlights the need for a group of peo |
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10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of |
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Jesus Christ Is Lord by Dale Gish | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the calling of God in our lives. He warns against being distracted by worldly desires and urges l |
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Ten Vital Evidences of True Salvation by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories that demonstrate the saving power of the Gospel. The first story recounts a time when the preacher was interrupted during h |
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On the Vocal Ministry by Ruth M. Pitman | Ruth M. Pitman preaches about the importance of a Meeting united in faith in the prophetic ministry, where individuals believe God speaks to them, guides them, and calls them to ac |