Proverbs 10:32
New International Version
The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

New Living Translation
The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

English Standard Version
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

Berean Standard Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

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

New King James Version
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

New American Standard Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.

NASB 1995
The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.

NASB 1977
The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.

Legacy Standard Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

Amplified Bible
The lips of the righteous know (speak) what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked knows (speaks) what is perverted (twisted).

Christian Standard Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate, but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate, but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.

American Standard Version
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; But the mouth of the wicked speaketh perverseness.

Contemporary English Version
If you obey the Lord, you will always know the right thing to say. But no one will trust you if you tell lies.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The lips of a righteous person announce good will, but the mouths of wicked people are devious.

Good News Translation
Righteous people know the kind thing to say, but the wicked are always saying things that hurt.

International Standard Version
Righteous lips know what is prudent, but the words of the wicked are perverse.

Majority Standard Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

NET Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the speech of the wicked is perverse.

New Heart English Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

Webster's Bible Translation
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

World English Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The lips of the righteous know a pleasing thing, "" And the mouth of the wicked perverseness!

Young's Literal Translation
The lips of the righteous know a pleasing thing, And the mouth of the wicked perverseness!

Smith's Literal Translation
The lips of the just one shall know acceptance: and the mouth of the unjust, perverseness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The lips of the just consider what is acceptable: and the mouth of the wicked uttereth perverse things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The lips of the just consider what is acceptable. And the mouth of the impious considers perversities.

New American Bible
The lips of the just know favor, but the mouth of the wicked, perversion.

New Revised Standard Version
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The lips of the righteous know what is good; but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse things.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The lips of the righteous know goodness, and the mouths of the evil are perverted.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; But the mouth of the wicked is all frowardness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The lips of just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is perverse.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son
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
James 3:2-12
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...

Matthew 12:34-37
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


Treasury of Scripture

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

know

Ecclesiastes 12:10
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

Daniel 4:27
Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

Titus 2:8
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

but

Proverbs 11:11
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 12:6,18
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them…

Proverbs 15:2,28
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness…

frowardness

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Acceptable Evil-Doers Fitting Forth Frowardness Lips Mouth Mouths Perverse Perverseness Perverted Pleasing Righteous Speaketh Twisted Upright Wicked
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Acceptable Evil-Doers Fitting Forth Frowardness Lips Mouth Mouths Perverse Perverseness Perverted Pleasing Righteous Speaketh Twisted Upright Wicked
Proverbs 10
1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices














The lips of the righteous
This phrase emphasizes the importance of speech that aligns with righteousness. In Hebrew, "righteous" is "tsaddiq," which refers to someone who is just, lawful, and in right standing with God. The "lips" symbolize communication and expression. Historically, the righteous were those who adhered to God's laws and commandments, and their speech reflected their inner moral compass. In a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the call for believers to ensure their words are edifying, truthful, and reflective of their faith.

know what is fitting
The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate understanding or discernment. "Fitting" suggests appropriateness and wisdom in speech. This phrase suggests that the righteous have a deep, God-given insight into what is suitable and beneficial to say in any situation. This discernment is not merely intellectual but is spiritually guided, aligning with the teachings of the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It encourages believers to seek divine wisdom in their communication.

but the mouth of the wicked
In contrast, "the mouth of the wicked" refers to those who are morally corrupt or ungodly. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "rasha," indicating someone who is guilty or hostile to God. The "mouth" here represents the source of their communication, which is tainted by their inner corruption. Historically, the wicked were those who rejected God's laws and lived in opposition to His will. This serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of allowing ungodly influences to shape their speech.

is perverse
The term "perverse" comes from the Hebrew word "tahpukah," which means to be twisted or distorted. This suggests that the speech of the wicked is not only morally wrong but also intentionally misleading and harmful. In a conservative Christian context, this highlights the destructive power of words that are not rooted in truth and righteousness. It serves as a call to believers to guard their hearts and minds, ensuring that their speech remains pure and aligned with God's truth.

(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.)

Verse 32. - Know. A good man's lips are conversant with what is acceptable to God and man. Such a person considers what will please God and edify his neighbour, and speaks in conformity therewith. The LXX. has," The lips of the righteous distil graces;" ἀποστάζει χάριτας, but probably the right verb is ἐπίσταται, which is found in some manuscripts. Speaketh frowardnsss; rather, knoweth, or is perverseness (comp. Ephesians 4:29); Septuagint, ἀποστρέφεται, or, according to the Sinaitic correcter and some other scribes, καταστρέφεται, "is turned aside," or "is overthrown." Delitszch translates, "is mere falsehood."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The lips
שִׂפְתֵ֣י (śip̄·ṯê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

of the righteous
צַ֭דִּיק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

know
יֵדְע֣וּן (yê·ḏə·‘ūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 3045: To know

what is fitting,
רָצ֑וֹן (rā·ṣō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522: Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will

but the mouth
וּפִ֥י (ū·p̄î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the wicked
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

is perverse.
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת׃ (tah·pu·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8419: Perversity, perverse thing


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 10:31
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