Proverbs 6:13 kjv

He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

Proverbs 6:13 nkjv

He winks with his eyes, He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers;

Proverbs 6:13 niv

who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers,

Proverbs 6:13 esv

winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger,

Proverbs 6:13 nlt

signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,
a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 13 Meaning

Proverbs 6:13 vividly describes a "worthless person" through their subtle, deceitful non-verbal communication. It portrays one who cunningly uses their eyes, feet, and fingers to convey secret malicious intent, hidden signals, or complicity in conspiracy without resorting to direct speech, revealing a guileful and manipulative character.

Proverbs 6 13 Context

Proverbs 6:13 is part of a broader section (Prov 6:12-19) that delineates the character and consequences of a "worthless person" (in Hebrew, often translated "man of Belial"). This individual is morally corrupt and acts with deceit. The preceding verse, 6:12, introduces this "wicked man" as one who "walks with perverted speech." Verse 6:13 then expands on this, detailing how their deceit is expressed through non-verbal cues. This particular verse describes actions that precede and often accompany their "devising evil continually" and "sowing discord," as stated in verse 6:14. The entire passage highlights traits and behaviors God hates (Prov 6:16-19), emphasizing the abhorrence of wickedness, especially subtle forms of deception that undermine truth and harmony within society.

Proverbs 6 13 Word analysis

• He winks (קֹרֵץ - qōrēṣ): This Hebrew term signifies a deliberate, subtle action with the eye, often implying conspiracy, mockery, or a secret agreement. It's a non-verbal cue meant to convey understanding or communicate privately to an accomplice.
• with his eyes (עֵינָיו - ‘êynāw): The eyes are powerful organs of expression. Here, they are used to convey covert signals rather than open, honest communication. This highlights the secretive and cunning nature of the individual, suggesting communication in complicity or malice.
• he signals (מֹלֵל - mōlēl): From a root (מָלַל - mālal) meaning to scrape or utter. In this context, it suggests subtle communication through the feet, such as a shuffle, scrape, or kick, to attract attention or convey a coded message discreetly without using words. It's a "speaking" or communicating without sound.
• with his feet (בְּרַגְלָיו - bə-raḡlāw): Feet are generally associated with one's walk or conduct. However, here they are actively used for covert communication, indicating agitation, impatience, or sending hidden messages in schemes, pointing to their involvement in secret maneuvers.
• he points (מֹרֶה - mōreh): Derived from (יָרָה - yārah) which can mean to cast, shoot, or instruct/point. In this context, it clearly means to direct or indicate with precision.
• with his fingers (בְּאֶצְבְּעֹתָיו - bə-’eṣba‘ōṯāw): Fingers are used for specific, often subtle, gestures. Here, they are employed to secretly point to an object or person, give direction, or convey a secret signal within a scheme, without any spoken word that could expose their plot.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "He winks with his eyes": This describes a knowing, conspiratorial glance, often used among confederates or to mock unsuspecting victims. It suggests a shared secret, a hidden agenda, or contempt expressed subtly.
  • "he signals with his feet": This portrays a furtive means of communication, perhaps a nervous fidgeting that secretly conveys a message, or a deliberate movement meant to gain attention or direct another covertly. It suggests impatience or concealed actions.
  • "he points with his fingers": This indicates a precise, silent instruction or accusation, directing unseen action or drawing attention to something without speaking. It embodies a clandestine method of orchestrating mischief.
  • Overall actions: The combination of these three distinct yet related physical actions paints a comprehensive picture of a deeply deceptive individual. It reveals that the "worthless person" communicates guile not just through words, but through a calculated array of non-verbal cues. These gestures are not accidental but purposeful, demonstrating an insidious nature that prefers manipulation and hidden communication to direct and honest engagement. It signifies that deceit has permeated their very being, affecting their physical movements to serve their malicious ends.

Proverbs 6 13 Bonus section

This passage uniquely highlights the full embodiment of deceit in the "worthless person." It underscores that their wickedness is not limited to their tongue, but permeates their entire physical expression, a profound insight into character. Such clandestine communication avoids direct accountability and allows the wicked to feign innocence, emphasizing their moral cowardice and preference for obscurity over transparent living. The verse implicitly advocates for discernment, encouraging observers to pay attention to all forms of communication, both verbal and non-verbal, as indicators of a person's true character and intentions. It teaches that integrity is holistic; a truly honest heart is not capable of such calculated, deceitful gestures.

Proverbs 6 13 Commentary

Proverbs 6:13 elaborates on the character of the "worthless person" introduced in the preceding verse. This verse strikingly portrays an individual whose wickedness runs so deep that it manifests even in their subconscious or calculated physical gestures. Rather than speaking openly, which might expose their intentions, they resort to a series of subtle, non-verbal cues – winking, signaling with feet, and pointing with fingers – to communicate deceit, initiate conspiracies, or direct malicious acts. This is a person who operates in the shadows, whose every bodily movement is potentially a part of a wider scheme of manipulation and evil-doing. The imagery suggests a master of subtle insinuation and plotting, highlighting a pervasive dishonesty that colors their entire being and communication. It serves as a potent warning to discern not just overt words, but also the hidden signals and genuine intentions conveyed through the silent language of the body, which can reveal a truly corrupted heart.