Bible Strands
Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The verse is a standalone wisdom maxim within Solomon’s collection, addressed to a general audience seeking practical discernment.
The words — The Hebrew רָצוֹן (ra.Tzon) literally denotes "pleasure" or "favor," while תַּהְפֻכֽוֹת (tah.pu.Khot) translates to "perversities" or "reversals."
The thread — The text contrasts righteous and wicked speech in Proverbs 11:11, 12:6, and 12:18.
Why it lands — The text states that the righteous know what is fitting while the wicked speak perversely, requiring a reader to audit their own words for accuracy rather than distortion.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
Cross-references
- 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.
- Proverbs 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
- Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
- Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
- Proverbs 2:12 to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,
- Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
- Proverbs 18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
- Ecclesiastes 12:10 The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
- Daniel 4:27 Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”