Proverbs 6:12 kjv

A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

Proverbs 6:12 nkjv

A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth;

Proverbs 6:12 niv

A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth,

Proverbs 6:12 esv

A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech,

Proverbs 6:12 nlt

What are worthless and wicked people like?
They are constant liars,

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 12 Meaning

Proverbs 6:12 describes an individual characterized by utter worthlessness and depravity, whose actions and speech are inherently deceptive and corrupt. This person is not merely flawed, but fundamentally twisted in their being and intent, manifesting their wickedness through deliberate perversity in communication and lifestyle. Their character is deeply rooted in malice, expressed consistently through their deceitful words and schemes.

Proverbs 6 12 Context

Proverbs 6:12 is part of a larger section (6:12-19) that focuses on identifying and describing the characteristics of the "worthless person" (Hebrew: belial). This specific verse acts as an introduction to the vivid portrayal of such an individual's cunning and deceptive nature. The immediate verses that follow elaborate on how this worthless person operates, detailing their non-verbal cues (winking, shuffling, pointing), the deceit in their heart, their constant plotting of evil, and their sowing of discord. This initial verse establishes the core identity: someone inherently and totally corrupt, whose mouth is the primary vehicle for their twisted intentions. The broader context of Proverbs often contrasts the wise with the foolish/wicked, highlighting how a person's speech and actions reveal their true character and lead to predictable consequences.

Proverbs 6 12 Word analysis

• A worthless person (בְּלִיַּעַל, bělîya‘al): This Hebrew term is a composite of běli (without, not) and ya‘al (profit, worth, advantage). Thus, "Belial" literally means "worthless," "profitless," "good for nothing." In biblical usage, it signifies moral degeneracy, wickedness, and utter depravity. It can also imply destruction or perdition. It describes not just what someone does, but who they are – inherently without moral value.
• a wicked man (אִישׁ אָוֶן, ’îsh ’āven): ’Îsh means "man." ’Āven means "trouble," "calamity," "misfortune," "sorrow," "vanity," and often "iniquity" or "evil." Together, ’îsh ’āven denotes a "man of iniquity" or "man of trouble" (causing trouble for others). This emphasizes his active engagement in harmful, unrighteous deeds, distinct from just being "worthless" passively.
• walks (הוֹלֵךְ, hôlēkh): This is the participle form of the verb "to walk." In Hebrew thought, "walking" often describes one's way of life, conduct, or consistent pattern of behavior, rather than a single action. This indicates that the perverse mouth is not an occasional slip but a characteristic, ingrained lifestyle for this individual. It highlights a continuous, intentional commitment to their deceptive ways.
• with a perverse mouth (עִקְּשׁוּת פֶּה, ‘iqqēšûth peh):
  • ‘Iqqēšûth is a noun form derived from the verb ‘āqaš, meaning "to bend," "twist," "pervert," "make crooked." It conveys the idea of distortion, deceit, and moral crookedness.
  • Peh means "mouth."This phrase literally means "perversity of mouth" or "twisted mouth." It refers to speech that is dishonest, deceitful, malicious, manipulative, or designed to mislead and harm. The perverse mouth is the external manifestation of an internally perverse heart.

Words-group analysis

• A worthless person, a wicked man: These two parallel descriptions (worthless man, man of iniquity) emphatically describe the moral quality of the individual. They reinforce each other to portray a person who is utterly debased, not just in character but also in action, signaling a state of extreme spiritual corruption. The doubling emphasizes the complete lack of moral good.
• walks with a perverse mouth: This phrase links their core being and consistent behavior directly to their mode of communication. Their "walk" (lifestyle) is defined by their "perverse mouth." It's not just a defect; it's a chosen path. Their crooked words are a natural outflow of their crooked heart, revealing that their entire disposition is characterized by dishonesty and mischief.

Proverbs 6 12 Bonus section

The concept of Belial (worthless person) has a significant history beyond Proverbs, notably appearing in the Dead Sea Scrolls as a prominent adversary of God, foreshadowing later theological developments concerning evil and antichrist figures. The description in Proverbs 6:12-19 provides concrete behavioral markers (non-verbal cues, constant scheming, sowing discord) that illustrate the pervasive nature of this internal wickedness, beyond just the speech. This verse implicitly teaches that speech is not isolated but is inextricably linked to one's heart, character, and overall way of life, confirming that outward expressions often reflect deeper inward realities. The consistent use of active verbs like "walks" and the subsequent description of "plotting evil" indicate an active, destructive intent rather than passive weakness.

Proverbs 6 12 Commentary

Proverbs 6:12 serves as an archetypal warning about a particular type of individual: one whose entire existence is defined by moral corruption and whose primary tool of operation is deceptive speech. The Hebrew terms Belial and ’Ish ’Aven together paint a stark picture of a person without value or integrity, who actively engages in evil. The phrase "walks with a perverse mouth" is crucial; it highlights that perversion is not just an occasional act, but a deep-seated characteristic that governs their daily conduct and communication. This individual's words are not simply mistaken; they are deliberately twisted, aimed at manipulating, misleading, or sowing discord. Such a person is inwardly rotten, and their speech acts as an accurate, indeed primary, barometer of their inner moral decay. This verse acts as a call to discern and distance oneself from such pervasive wickedness.