Proverbs 10:6 kjv

Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:6 nkjv

Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:6 niv

Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:6 esv

Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:6 nlt

The godly are showered with blessings;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 6 Meaning

Proverbs 10:6 proclaims a fundamental principle of God's moral order: blessings are lavished upon those who live righteously before God and man, manifesting as their just reward and honorable standing. Conversely, for the wicked, the violence and harm they perpetrate will ultimately consume them, leading to their condemnation, shame, or complete silencing by the very deeds of their mouth or hands. It illustrates a clear dichotomy of divine retribution and flourishing based on one's character and actions.

Proverbs 10 6 Context

Proverbs 10 is the beginning of what is often called "the first collection of Solomon's proverbs." This section primarily consists of individual, antithetical couplets (verses that contrast two opposing ideas) without extensive thematic development beyond the specific verse. The overarching context of Proverbs is didactic; it seeks to impart practical wisdom and instruct individuals in righteous living based on the covenant with God. This chapter repeatedly contrasts the outcomes for the righteous (ṣaddîq) and the wicked (rāšāʿ), demonstrating the foundational principle that God's moral universe operates on a system of just recompense. Historically, these proverbs were intended to guide daily life, judicial proceedings, and social interactions within ancient Israel, reinforcing the belief that ethical conduct leads to flourishing and unethical conduct to ruin, often manifested in visible societal ways. There are no direct polemics here, but it implicitly counters any notion that wickedness can ultimately triumph or escape consequences.

Proverbs 10 6 Word analysis

• Blessings (בְּרָכ֖וֹת - bə·rā·ḵō·wṯ): Plural form of berakhah, meaning divine favor, prosperity, happiness, welfare, or an expression of good wishes. The plural emphasizes the abundance and multiplicity of these favors, not just one singular blessing but a constant outpouring. It speaks of divine anointing and favor.
• are on the head of (לְרֹ֥אשׁ - lə·rōš): "Head" is a symbol of authority, honor, prominence, and the whole person. The blessings are not just surrounding but directly upon and filling the individual, marking them. It suggests the public recognition and full manifestation of divine favor. It also hints at a crowning or encompassing of blessings.
• the righteous (צַדִּ֑יק - ṣad·dîq): From the root ṣādaq, meaning "to be right, just, innocent, justified." The ṣaddîq is one who consistently acts in conformity with God's revealed will, exhibiting moral uprightness, integrity, and adherence to covenant law. They are acquitted and declared right in God's eyes.
• but (וּ - u): A simple conjunction, here carrying an adversative meaning, "but," highlighting the stark contrast.
• violence (חָמָ֣ס - ḥā·mās): A powerful Hebrew term signifying not merely physical force, but injustice, oppression, cruelty, wrong, and destructive acts. It is the active harming of others or the disregard for their rights. It implies active and often deceitful evil.
• covers (יְכַסֶּֽה׃ - yə·ḵas·seh): From the verb kāsāh, meaning "to cover, conceal, overwhelm, clothe." This can mean to conceal or overwhelm. In this context, it primarily suggests an engulfing or suffocating action. The violence acts upon the wicked.
• the mouth of (פִּי - pî): The mouth, peh, is a central theme in Proverbs, representing speech, testimony, counsel, and the source of words and often the very intent of the heart.
• the wicked (רָשָׁ֣ע - rā·šā‘): From the root rāšaʿ, meaning "to be wicked, guilty." The rāšāʿ is the antithesis of the ṣaddîq; one who stands condemned by God's law, practices evil, and rejects divine instruction.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Blessings are on the head of the righteous": This phrase paints a picture of comprehensive divine favor. The "head" signifies the whole person, their status, their identity. Blessings, in their multitude, not only rest upon them but adorn and define them. It implies public honor, well-being, and flourishing that extends to their entire life and reputation, emanating from their upright character before God.
• "but violence covers the mouth of the wicked": This highly interpretive phrase emphasizes a stark counterpoint. "Violence" is the very nature or consequence of the wicked. When it "covers the mouth," it can mean several things:
  • Self-inflicted destruction: The violence committed or uttered by the wicked ultimately recoils upon them, silencing them through judgment, shame, or ruin. Their words/actions bring their downfall.
  • Overwhelming condemnation: The wicked's violence brings forth a crushing condemnation or exposure that renders them speechless in their defense.
  • Silencing by judgment: God’s judgment, enacted due to their violence, literally shuts their mouth, stopping their boasts, lies, or harmful speech. Their ruin leaves them unable to speak.
  • Their speech IS violence: Less common, but sometimes argued, their speech is inherently violent or destructive. However, "covers" implies something acting upon their mouth, suggesting a consequence rather than a description.The dominant interpretation centers on retribution, where the wicked's violence brings about their downfall and silence, rendering them ineffective or condemned.

Proverbs 10 6 Bonus section

The antithetical parallelism in this verse (blessings vs. violence, righteous vs. wicked) is a hallmark of Proverbs, designed to present stark choices and consequences. It reinforces the Deuteronomic principle of blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience, making it a foundational concept for understanding divine justice in Israel. The emphasis on the head for blessings signifies comprehensive flourishing, suggesting that God's favor is deeply personal and publicly recognized. The emphasis on the mouth for the wicked often points to the role of their speech in their demise, linking back to the common Proverbs theme that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov 18:21). The proverb reassures the righteous, affirming God's vigilance and commitment to uphold justice, even when immediate visible retribution might not be apparent.

Proverbs 10 6 Commentary

Proverbs 10:6 vividly articulates God's unwavering moral principle in creation: character dictates destiny. It contrasts the abundant favor bestowed upon those aligned with God's righteous standards with the inevitable ruin awaiting those who persist in wickedness. The image of "blessings on the head of the righteous" speaks of overflowing divine grace, honor, and well-being, publicly evident and holistically encompassing the individual. It's not merely material wealth, but spiritual contentment, peace, and favor from both God and people.

Conversely, "violence covers the mouth of the wicked" acts as a grim counterpoint. It signifies that the wicked, who sow discord and practice injustice, will ultimately be overwhelmed by the very fruit of their actions. The "mouth" is pivotal in Proverbs, being the instrument of speech, deceit, and testimony. This phrase suggests that their violent or unjust words and deeds will silence them, leading to shame, condemnation, or a definitive end to their malicious influence. Their own violence acts as a destructive shroud, smothering their ability to speak, boast, or deceive, leading to their final quietus through divine or natural consequence. This verse serves as a potent reminder that while the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their chosen path invariably leads to destruction and disgrace.

For instance, consider a person who consistently speaks truth and acts with integrity in their community; they might be granted respect, trust, and opportunities, and their counsel might be sought (blessings on their head). In contrast, someone known for spreading rumors or committing acts of sabotage; their reputation will eventually precede them, their words will lose credibility, and their schemes might expose and silence them through legal or social consequences (violence covers their mouth).