Proverbs 10:11 kjv

The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:11 nkjv

The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:11 niv

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:11 esv

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:11 nlt

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 11 Meaning

The mouth of the righteous, empowered by an upright heart, is a wellspring that continually gives life, wisdom, and spiritual refreshment to those who hear. Conversely, the mouth of the wicked, stemming from a corrupt heart, often masks destructive intentions, deception, or harmful plots beneath its words, revealing a hidden agenda of violence or malice.

Proverbs 10 11 Context

Proverbs 10:11 is part of the collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22), which largely consist of antithetical couplets. These verses frequently present sharp contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, wisdom and folly, diligence and laziness, and their respective outcomes. This specific proverb focuses on the impact of speech, highlighting how it reflects the speaker's inner character and produces either life or death. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, speech was incredibly powerful, capable of building or destroying reputation, inciting peace or war, and conveying wisdom or folly. The proverbs aim to instill in their audience a reverence for spoken words, urging careful and intentional communication aligned with God's design.

Proverbs 10 11 Word analysis

• mouth (פֶּה - peh): Beyond the physical organ, "mouth" here represents the sum of one's speech, including expressions, declarations, counsels, and intentions communicated verbally. It is the primary means by which the inner person is revealed.
• righteous (צַדִּיק - tzaddiq): Describes a person whose life and actions are in conformity with God's standards and covenant. This righteousness is not merely external but stems from an inner moral integrity, shaped by God's wisdom, and seeking to do what is just and right.
• fountain (מָקוֹר - maqor): Refers to a spring, source, or wellspring of flowing water. This metaphor implies a continuous, abundant, and naturally occurring supply. Just as a fountain gives life-sustaining water, the words of the righteous bring refreshment, spiritual vitality, guidance, and nourishment to others. It denotes a steady stream of beneficial communication.
• life (חַיִּים - chayyim): Encompasses not just physical existence, but holistic well-being, prosperity, wisdom, spiritual vitality, and a flourishing relationship with God. The words of the righteous contribute to the well-being and growth of others in all these dimensions.
• wicked (רָשָׁע - rasha): Describes an individual who is unrighteous, disregarding God's law, acting unjustly, and being hostile towards God and His ways. Their character is marked by an inherent moral corruption.
• conceals (כָּסָה - kasah): To cover, hide, or mask. This verb suggests an intentional act of deception or obfuscation. The wicked person's words do not overtly reveal their true nature but instead serve as a veil, creating a deceptive appearance.
• violence (חָמָס - chamas): Refers to physical violence, injustice, cruelty, and wrongdoing, often characterized by active malevolence or a desire to inflict harm. When applied to speech, it signifies words that are destructive, slanderous, abusive, or intended to inflict spiritual or emotional damage, or words that lay the groundwork for future harm.

Words-group analysis:

• "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life": This phrase paints a picture of constant blessing. The speech emanating from a righteous heart naturally overflows with truth, encouragement, wisdom, and comfort, acting as a never-ending source of spiritual sustenance and vitality for those who receive it. It is not an occasional good word but a characteristic of their communication.
• "but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence": This stark contrast reveals the sinister nature of the wicked's speech. Even if their words appear smooth or persuasive, they often hide malicious intent, hidden agendas, deceit, or are merely a precursor to injurious actions. Their speech is not innocent or benign but rather a subtle vehicle for their inherent destructiveness.

Proverbs 10 11 Bonus section

The power of the tongue is a recurring theme throughout Scripture (e.g., James 3:5-8). Proverbs 10:11 emphasizes that the mouth is an extension of the heart (Matt 12:34; Lk 6:45). One's speech is a clear indicator of one's character and inner condition. True wisdom and righteousness emanate from a transformed heart, naturally producing edifying and life-giving words. Conversely, an unrighteous heart will produce speech that, directly or indirectly, reflects its inner deceit and destructive inclinations. For the believer, this verse is a call to align our hearts with Christ, so that our words become channels of His life and grace, truly reflecting His Spirit within us. The metaphor of a "fountain of life" links back to God Himself as the ultimate source of life and truth.

Proverbs 10 11 Commentary

Proverbs 10:11 profoundly contrasts the fundamental nature and impact of two distinct types of individuals as revealed through their speech. The righteous person, whose inner being is aligned with God's wisdom, speaks words that are likened to a "fountain of life." This signifies that their communication is consistently pure, restorative, invigorating, and wisdom-giving, leading to genuine spiritual and practical flourishing for others. It implies an overflowing generosity of wholesome words, a constant source of encouragement, instruction, and truth, much like living water that refreshes and sustains.

In stark opposition, the "mouth of the wicked conceals violence." This doesn't necessarily mean every word they utter is overtly violent, but rather that their speech is inherently tainted by harmful intent. Whether through subtle flattery, deceptive promises, cunning slander, or hidden agendas, their words are ultimately a cover for malice, injustice, or destructive purposes. They use language to manipulate, harm, or lead others astray, their words merely a thin veil over the internal corruption that plots violence or moral ruin. This proverb, therefore, urges discernment, reminding us that speech is a profound indicator of the heart, capable of yielding either life-giving fruit or hidden poison.

• Example 1: A righteous counselor's words in a difficult situation bring calm, clarity, and wise paths forward, restoring hope and direction, much like a refreshing drink.
• Example 2: A wicked schemer uses persuasive but dishonest words to mislead a vulnerable person, hiding the intent to exploit or defraud, ultimately leading to harm.