Proverbs 10:31 kjv

The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

Proverbs 10:31 nkjv

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

Proverbs 10:31 niv

From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.

Proverbs 10:31 esv

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

Proverbs 10:31 nlt

The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,
but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 31 Meaning

Proverbs 10:31 illustrates the profound contrast between the communication of the righteous and the wicked. The mouth of the righteous, empowered by integrity and divine insight, naturally produces words that are wise, fruitful, and life-giving. In stark opposition, the tongue of the perverse—one characterized by twistedness, deceit, and malice—is ultimately destined for destruction, silencing, or futility, as its very nature works against its own preservation and influence.

Proverbs 10 31 Context

Proverbs chapter 10 marks a significant shift, introducing a collection of independent antithetical proverbs, largely attributed to Solomon. These proverbs often contrast two distinct ways of life: that of the righteous (tsaddiq) and the wicked (rasha'), highlighting the different consequences of their choices and actions. Proverbs 10:31 is part of a thematic cluster within this chapter that specifically addresses the power and consequences of speech, echoing the broader wisdom tradition which heavily emphasizes the critical role of words in human experience and divine judgment. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, speech was not merely an expression of thought but was seen as having inherent power and substantial impact on reality and community. The proverb implies that one's words are a direct reflection of one's character, illustrating the profound moral cause-and-effect that governs God's ordered world. This worldview subtly critiques any human-centered philosophies that might elevate cunning or deceitful speech as a path to worldly success, by affirming God's ultimate justice that brings perverse speech to nothing.

Proverbs 10 31 Word analysis

• The mouth (פֶּה, peh): This term denotes not just the physical orifice but, more significantly, the entire faculty of speech, expression, and utterance. It encompasses the source from which words issue, highlighting its role as the primary organ for communicating inner character.
• of the righteous (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): Refers to one who is just, morally upright, aligned with God's commands and character. It implies a consistent inner state of integrity and conformity to divine standards, from which their speech flows.
• brings forth (יָנוּב, yanûv - from נוּב, nûv): Meaning to "bear fruit," "produce," "yield," or "blossom." This verb implies a natural, organic, and continuous emanation. Like a healthy tree consistently producing its fruit, the righteous person naturally and consistently brings forth wisdom from their inner being. It suggests that their speech is an inevitable, overflowing expression of who they are.
• wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah): More than mere intellectual knowledge, chokmah in the biblical sense is practical skill, discernment, and moral insight rooted in the fear of the Lord. It refers to the ability to live skillfully and successfully in accordance with God's will, applying truth effectively.
• but the perverse (תַּהְפֻּכוֹת, tahpukhot - from הָפַךְ, haphakh): Literally "perversity," "twistedness," or "deceit." It signifies that which is inverted, turned upside down, or contrary to what is right and true. It describes speech characterized by distortion, malice, falsehood, or rebellion against truth.
• tongue (לָשׁוֹן, lashon): Similar to peh, this also refers to the organ of speech, but often with a nuance that emphasizes specific types of speech, especially deceitful or harmful communication, as seen in many Proverbs that condemn the "lying tongue" or "slanderous tongue."
• will be cut off (יִכָּרֵת, yikkaret - from כָּרַת, karat): A strong verb meaning "to cut off," "destroy," "abolish," "perish," or "be eradicated." It denotes severe separation or cessation. This can refer to divine judgment, self-inflicted ruin, the loss of credibility, or complete silencing and extinction. It implies the ultimate futility and undoing of perverse speech.

Words-group analysis:

• "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom": This phrase paints a picture of organic generation. It's not just that the righteous say wise things, but that their very "mouth"—their channel of expression—produces or yields wisdom as a natural consequence of their upright character. This implies that righteous speech is a rich and ongoing source of true understanding and good counsel.
• "but the perverse tongue will be cut off": This is a direct antithesis, predicting a radical cessation for perverse speech. The "perverse tongue" implies speech characterized by deception, malice, and distortion. "Will be cut off" conveys a sense of divine judgment, self-destruction, or an ultimate inability to stand or prevail. Such speech, despite its temporary apparent success, lacks foundation and will ultimately lose its power, influence, or very existence.

Proverbs 10 31 Bonus section

• Antithetical Parallelism: The verse perfectly employs antithetical parallelism, a common literary device in Proverbs, where the second line contrasts with the first to emphasize opposing ideas, actions, or consequences. This structure clearly highlights the two destinies for speech.
• Beyond Words: While speaking of "mouth" and "tongue," this proverb also indirectly speaks to the heart. Biblically, words flow from the heart's overflow (Lk 6:45), so the quality of one's speech is a clear indicator of one's inner character. Therefore, becoming "righteous" in speech necessitates a transformation of the heart.
• Cutting off as Covenant Punishment: In other parts of the Old Testament, the phrase "cut off" (karat) can refer to being excluded from the covenant community, a form of spiritual and communal excommunication (e.g., Gen 17:14 for not being circumcised). This adds a layer of spiritual implication to the perversity of speech: it alienates one from God's favor and community.
• Futility and Ineffectualness: Beyond just punishment, the "cutting off" of the perverse tongue also conveys the ultimate futility and ineffectiveness of its lies and malice in the long run. While perverse speech may cause immediate harm, it ultimately cannot prevail against God's truth and justice.

Proverbs 10 31 Commentary

Proverbs 10:31 offers a profound commentary on the spiritual and practical consequences of our words, establishing an intrinsic link between internal character and outward expression. The verse asserts that righteous individuals, living in alignment with God's truth, naturally speak words imbued with wisdom and sound judgment. This speech is presented not as an effortful act but as a generative overflow, akin to a fruit tree yielding its natural produce. Such wisdom-filled words serve to edify, guide, and bless, revealing the divine grace operating within the speaker. Conversely, the "perverse tongue" – representing speech born of crookedness, deceit, or malice – faces an inevitable, decisive end: it "will be cut off." This implies a judgment that silences, neutralizes, or destroys its destructive capacity, whether through loss of credibility, self-inflicted ruin, or ultimate divine retribution. The proverb thereby serves as a vital call to cultivating righteousness within, knowing that our words are not mere sounds, but powerful expressions with lasting spiritual and real-world consequences, bringing either life-giving wisdom or destructive ruin.