Proverbs 10:10

KJV

¶ He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that winketh {H7169} with the eye {H5869} causeth {H5414} sorrow {H6094}: but a prating {H8193} fool {H191} shall fall {H3832}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who winks his eye [instead of rebuking] causes pain, yet a babbling fool will have trouble.

Berean Standard Bible

He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.

American Standard Version

He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow; But a prating fool shall fall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:10 powerfully contrasts two forms of destructive behavior: the subtle, deceitful actions of one who communicates malice through non-verbal cues, and the overt, self-destructive speech of a foolish person. Both types of conduct, though differing in their expression, lead inevitably to negative consequences—causing sorrow for others in the first instance, and bringing about the downfall of the perpetrator in the second, underscoring the biblical principle that actions and words have inherent moral weight and unavoidable repercussions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10:10 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a collection characterized by short, pithy sayings that typically contrast the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse, like many others in this section, employs antithetical parallelism, presenting two contrasting ideas or characters to highlight a moral truth. It follows proverbs that speak to the diligence of the wise versus the sloth of the foolish, and the blessings of the righteous versus the curses upon the wicked. The preceding verse, [Proverbs 10:9](/proverbs/10-9 "Proverbs 10:9 - Integrity vs. Crooked Paths"), speaks of walking in integrity versus crooked paths, setting a thematic stage for the consequences of deceitful and foolish behavior explored in verse 10. The entire chapter emphasizes the direct link between character, conduct, and consequence, a foundational theme of the wisdom literature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, deeply rooted in the practical realities of daily life within a community. In a society where oral communication and direct interaction were paramount, both subtle non-verbal cues and spoken words carried immense weight. Gestures like winking, nodding, or shrugging were understood within specific cultural contexts, and a malicious wink would be immediately recognized as a sign of secret plotting or mockery, often intended to cause social discomfort or distress. Similarly, the concept of a "fool" (Hebrew: _ʼĕvîyl_) was not merely someone unintelligent, but rather one who was morally bankrupt, resistant to instruction, and whose speech often reflected their inner perversity. Public reputation and community standing were vital, making both subtle deceit and overt foolishness highly damaging to an individual's social fabric and personal well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **power and consequences of communication**, both verbal and non-verbal. It warns against the subtle yet damaging nature of deceitful gestures and the overt destructiveness of uncontrolled, foolish speech. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **moral accountability**, asserting that all actions and words, whether hidden or public, ultimately lead to specific outcomes for the individual and those around them. The contrast between causing "sorrow" and experiencing "fall" reinforces the concept of divine justice and the natural consequences of one's choices. This aligns with the broader message that the [path of the righteous leads to life](/proverbs/10-16 "Proverbs 10:16 - The Reward of Righteousness") while the [way of the wicked leads to ruin](/proverbs/10-29 "Proverbs 10:29 - The Way of the Lord and the Ruin of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **winketh (Hebrew, _qârats'_):** From H7169. This primitive root means to pinch, specifically to bite the lips or blink the eyes as a gesture of malice. It is not an innocent or playful wink, but one used to signal secret plotting, scorn, mockery, or mischievous and ill intent. This gesture is often associated with deceit and hidden agendas, designed to cause harm or distress to others.
* **prating (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_):** From H8193. While its primary meaning is "lip" or "language," in this context, especially when paired with "fool," it idiomatically refers to uncontrolled, excessive, or foolish speech. It implies babbling, gossiping, or speaking without discretion, wisdom, or integrity. Such speech is often empty, harmful, or self-incriminating.
* **fool (Hebrew, _ʼĕvîyl'_):** From H191. This term describes someone who is silly or perverse, lacking moral and spiritual understanding. Unlike a simpleton, an _ʼĕvîyl_ is often characterized by stubbornness, arrogance, and a willful rejection of wisdom and instruction. Their foolishness is not merely intellectual deficiency but a moral and spiritual one, leading to self-destructive behavior and a disregard for divine principles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow":** This clause focuses on the subtle, often non-verbal, actions of a deceitful or malicious person. The "wink of the eye" is a specific gesture conveying secret, often malevolent, intent—perhaps a sign of conspiracy, mockery, or a hidden agenda against another. Such covert actions, though seemingly minor or unsaid, are portrayed as having a tangible and painful impact, inflicting emotional distress, grief, or trouble upon those who are the object of the malice or deception. It highlights how even unspoken communication can be deeply damaging.
* **"but a prating fool shall fall":** This second clause stands in antithetical parallelism to the first, contrasting subtle deceit with overt foolishness in speech. A "prating fool" is someone whose uncontrolled, excessive, or senseless talk reveals their lack of wisdom and moral understanding. Their tendency to babble, gossip, or speak carelessly inevitably leads to their own downfall, disgrace, failure, or ruin. This part of the proverb emphasizes the direct and unavoidable consequences of undisciplined and foolish verbal communication.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:10 effectively uses **Antithetical Parallelism**, a common feature in wisdom literature, to contrast two distinct but equally destructive behaviors: subtle deceit ("winketh with the eye") and overt foolishness in speech ("prating fool"). Each half of the verse presents a different character and their corresponding negative consequence, highlighting the universal principle of moral retribution. The phrase "winketh with the eye" employs **Metonymy**, where a part (the wink) stands for the whole action of malicious, secretive communication. Similarly, "prating fool" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the characteristic (prating) defines the entire person (the fool), emphasizing how their foolishness is primarily expressed through their undisciplined speech. The proverb's concise structure and vivid imagery make its moral lesson memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 10:10 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God is a God of justice who holds individuals accountable for their actions and words, whether overt or covert. It underscores the sanctity of truth and integrity in communication, reflecting a divine order where deceit and foolishness inherently lead to negative outcomes. The proverb reveals that sin is not merely external acts but also encompasses the intentions of the heart and the subtle expressions of malice. It aligns with the broader biblical teaching that wisdom involves not only discerning truth but also exercising discipline over one's body language and speech, recognizing that both can either build up or tear down, cause sorrow or bring blessing.

* [Proverbs 6:12-15](/proverbs/6-12 "Proverbs 6:12-15 - The Worthless Person")
* [Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Account for Every Careless Word")
* [James 3:5-8](/james/3-5 "James 3:5-8 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:10 offers timeless wisdom for navigating human relationships and cultivating a life of integrity. It challenges us to consider the profound impact of our communication, both spoken and unspoken. In an age saturated with digital interactions and nuanced social cues, the warning against the "wink of the eye" reminds us that even subtle gestures, emojis, or private messages can convey malice, mockery, or deceit, causing deep sorrow and eroding trust. We are called to cultivate transparency and sincerity, ensuring our non-verbal cues align with truth and love, rather than hidden agendas. Simultaneously, the "prating fool" serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of uncontrolled speech. Gossip, careless words, and foolish babbling not only harm others but inevitably lead to our own downfall, damaging our reputation, relationships, and spiritual well-being. This proverb compels us to exercise rigorous self-control over our tongues, speaking only what is edifying, truthful, and necessary, reflecting the wisdom that comes from a heart submitted to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my non-verbal communication (e.g., facial expressions, body language, even digital cues) inadvertently or intentionally cause "sorrow" for others?**
* **How can I better guard my tongue and avoid "prating" or speaking foolishly, especially in moments of frustration, anger, or temptation to gossip?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of integrity and wisdom in both my spoken words and my unspoken actions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "wink of the eye" in this proverb, and how does it apply today?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, as in many cultures today, a "wink of the eye" was not always an innocent or playful gesture. When used in a negative context, as implied here by its consequence of "causing sorrow," it signified secret plotting, malice, mockery, or a hidden conspiracy. It was a non-verbal signal of ill intent, often used by those who were deceitful or unreliable. Today, this principle applies broadly to any subtle, often non-verbal, communication that carries malicious intent. This could include a knowing glance, a conspiratorial nod, or even digital equivalents like a sarcastic emoji or a private message designed to mock or deceive. The proverb warns that such seemingly minor or hidden acts of malice still have real, painful consequences for the recipients, and reflect a lack of integrity in the perpetrator. It highlights that true wisdom requires integrity in all forms of communication, not just overt speech, as seen in [Proverbs 6:12-13](/proverbs/6-12 "Proverbs 6:12-13 - The Worthless Man's Deceitful Gestures").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:10, with its stark contrast between subtle deceit and overt foolishness, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the destructive nature of those who cause sorrow through malicious winks and fall through foolish prating, Jesus perfectly embodies the opposite: integrity, truth, and wisdom. He never winked with malice or spoke foolishly; rather, His words brought life, healing, and truth ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")). He was the "Lamb of God" who, far from causing sorrow through deceit, bore the sorrow of the world upon Himself ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - Man of Sorrows")). The prating fool falls, but Christ, though rejected and crucified, did not fall but was exalted, becoming the cornerstone ([Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")). His life demonstrates the perfect wisdom that avoids both subtle malice and overt foolishness, offering a path where those who follow Him are called to speak truth in love ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")) and to be careful with their words, knowing that every careless word will be accounted for ([Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Account for Every Careless Word")). In Christ, we find the wisdom to avoid causing sorrow and to stand firm, rather than fall, through righteous speech and pure intentions.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 35:19

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

Proverbs 6:13

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

Proverbs 10:8

¶ The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

3 John 1:10

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.

Proverbs 18:21

¶ Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Job 15:12

Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,

Proverbs 18:6

¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.