The term "winketh" is an archaic English word found in the King James Version of the Bible, primarily used to describe a gesture of the eyes that implies a secretive or deceitful intention. In the context of biblical literature, it often carries a negative connotation, associated with cunning or malicious behavior.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 6:12-13 : "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, pointing with his fingers." In this passage, the act of winking is linked to the behavior of a "worthless person" or "wicked man." The gesture is part of a broader description of deceitful and manipulative conduct. The winking of the eyes here is symbolic of secretive communication, often used to convey messages without words, typically for dishonest purposes.

2. Proverbs 10:10 : "He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin." This verse further emphasizes the negative implications of winking. It suggests that such an action can lead to trouble or grief, highlighting the potential harm that can arise from deceitful or underhanded behavior. The comparison with "foolish lips" underscores the destructive nature of both deceitful gestures and words.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical context, winking is not merely a benign or playful gesture but is often associated with moral and ethical concerns. It is indicative of a heart that harbors deceit and a mind that plots mischief. The Bible frequently warns against such behavior, urging believers to pursue honesty and integrity in their interactions with others.

The act of winking, as described in these passages, serves as a metaphor for the subtlety and cunning that can characterize sinful behavior. It reflects an attitude that seeks to manipulate or deceive others for personal gain, contrary to the biblical call for transparency and truthfulness.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

From a moral standpoint, the biblical references to winking serve as a caution against engaging in or condoning deceitful practices. Believers are encouraged to be vigilant against such behaviors in themselves and others, recognizing the potential for harm and discord that they can cause within a community.

The emphasis on the consequences of winking—grief and ruin—serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a pure heart and honest conduct. The Bible consistently advocates for a life characterized by sincerity and uprightness, warning against the subtle allure of deceit and manipulation.

In summary, the concept of "winketh" in the Bible is a powerful illustration of the dangers of deceitful behavior. It calls believers to a higher standard of integrity, urging them to avoid even the appearance of evil in their interactions with others.

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 15, "If Thy Brother Sin ...
... 15, "If thy brother sin against thee, go, shew him his fault between thee and him
alone;" and of the words of Solomon, he that winketh with the eyes deceitfully ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxii on the words.htm

On the Question of an Accused Bishop Appealing to the Seat of the ...
... He that winketh with the eye worketh evil, and every one will cast him off. When
thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v on the question of.htm

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
... Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable
man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxiii how sowers of.htm

Being that we are Here Upon Earth Turmoiled with Cares
... things in Heaven and Earth attend upon us while we ought to answer and observe them,
by upholding their beauty within: But we are spared and God winketh at our ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/89 being that we are.htm

Whether Apostasy Pertains to Unbelief?
... walketh with a perverse mouth. He winketh with the eyes, presseth with
the foot, speaketh with the finger. With a wicked heart he ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether apostasy pertains to unbelief.htm

The Second Epistle.
... But to betray the secrets of a friend is the desperation of a wretched soul. He
that winketh with the eye worketh evil, and no one will cast him off. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the second epistle 2.htm

sermons on selected lessons of the new testament
... 15, "If thy brother sin against thee, go, shew him his fault between thee and him
alone;" and of the words of Solomon, he that winketh with the eyes deceitfully ...
/.../augustine/sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/

Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties.
... Solomon, also, speaking of the naughty person and wicked man, says, "He winketh
with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet." "He that winketh with the eye ...
/.../letter xv social and relative.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... We give all honor to these men now, for these are the days of our ignorance, and
God in some degree winketh at us; but when the gospel spreads, we shall then ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... [1221] Dall??us. [1222] Calvin's ingenuous confession commended. [1223] Ephesians
5:13. [1224] In tenderness of conscience, God winketh at our ignorance. ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm

Winketh (2 Occurrences)
...Winketh (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with
his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/w/winketh.htm - 6k

Wink (2 Occurrences)
... He winketh with his eyes," etc. (Proverbs 6:12, 13 the King James Version).
"He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow" (Proverbs 10:10). ...
/w/wink.htm - 9k

Winking (2 Occurrences)

/w/winking.htm - 7k

Winks (3 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Proverbs 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow; and
a prating fool shall fall. (See NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 16 ...
/w/winks.htm - 7k

Winked (1 Occurrence)

/w/winked.htm - 6k

Teacheth (22 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS). Proverbs 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet,
he teacheth with his fingers; (KJV DBY WBS). Proverbs 16 ...
/t/teacheth.htm - 12k

Points (18 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 6:13 That winketh with his eyes, that scrapeth with his feet,
that pointeth with his fingers; (See NAS RSV). Ecclesiastes ...
/p/points.htm - 13k

Prating (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Proverbs 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth
sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/p/prating.htm - 7k

Pointeth (1 Occurrence)
... Pointeth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 6:13 That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh
with his feet, That maketh signs with his fingers; (See JPS). ...
/p/pointeth.htm - 6k

Scrapeth (1 Occurrence)
... Scrapeth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 6:13 That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh
with his feet, That maketh signs with his fingers; (See JPS). ...
/s/scrapeth.htm - 6k

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