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 know what is fitting
This phrase emphasizes the wisdom and discernment that come from living a life aligned with God's principles. The "righteous" are those who live in accordance with God's laws and seek His guidance. In biblical context, righteousness is often associated with justice, mercy, and humility before God (Micah 6:8). The idea of knowing "what is fitting" suggests an understanding of appropriate speech and behavior, which is a recurring theme in Proverbs (Proverbs 15:23, 25:11). This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply rooted in a relationship with God, who grants insight to those who seek Him (James 1:5). The righteous are contrasted with the wicked, highlighting the moral and spiritual discernment that comes from a life dedicated to God.

but the mouth of the wicked is perverse
The "wicked" are those who reject God's ways and live in opposition to His commandments. Their speech is described as "perverse," indicating a distortion or corruption of what is good and true. This perversion can manifest as lies, deceit, or harmful words that lead others astray (Proverbs 6:12-14). The mouth, as a symbol of communication, reflects the condition of the heart (Matthew 12:34). In biblical times, speech was a powerful tool, and the misuse of it was seen as a serious moral failing. The contrast between the righteous and the wicked in this verse underscores the importance of aligning one's words with God's truth. The perverse speech of the wicked ultimately leads to destruction, both for themselves and for those they influence (Proverbs 18:7). This serves as a warning to guard one's heart and speech, seeking to reflect the character of Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of truth and righteousness (John 14:6).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Righteous
In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's laws and wisdom. They are characterized by their moral integrity and alignment with God's will.

2. The Wicked
This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's commands. Their actions and words are often described as corrupt and morally wrong.

3. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs are intended to impart practical and spiritual wisdom.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

5. Wisdom Literature
A genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical and ethical living according to divine wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Power of Words
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. As believers, we are called to use our speech to edify and encourage others, reflecting the righteousness of Christ in us.

Discernment in Speech
The righteous are characterized by their ability to discern what is fitting to say. This requires wisdom and a heart aligned with God's truth.

Guarding Against Perversion
The mouth of the wicked is described as perverse. We must guard our hearts and minds against influences that lead to corrupt speech.

Reflecting Christ in Our Words
As followers of Christ, our speech should reflect His character. This means speaking truth in love and avoiding gossip, slander, and deceit.

Seeking God's Wisdom
To know what is fitting, we must seek God's wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.(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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