Proverbs 10:32

KJV

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] frowardness.

KJV (with Strong's)

The lips {H8193} of the righteous {H6662} know {H3045} what is acceptable {H7522}: but the mouth {H6310} of the wicked {H7563} speaketh frowardness {H8419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The lips of the righteous know what is wanted, but the mouth of the wicked [knows] deceit.

Berean Standard Bible

The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

American Standard Version

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; But the mouth of the wickedspeaketh perverseness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:32 masterfully employs antithetical parallelism to underscore the profound distinction between the speech of the righteous and that of the wicked. It reveals that the righteous possess an intrinsic discernment, enabling their words to be pleasing and beneficial, reflecting a heart aligned with divine truth. In stark contrast, the wicked are characterized by speech that is inherently perverse and deceitful, a direct outflow of a heart alienated from righteousness. This verse powerfully articulates the biblical principle that our verbal expressions are not superficial but rather potent manifestations of our inner character, carrying significant moral and spiritual weight in the sight of God and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10:32 is situated within the primary collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a section predominantly composed of independent, antithetical sayings. These proverbs consistently present a sharp dichotomy between the wise/righteous and the foolish/wicked, illustrating the divergent paths and inevitable consequences of their respective characters and actions. This particular verse directly follows [Proverbs 10:31](/proverbs/10-31 "Proverbs 10:31 - The Mouth of the Righteous"), which similarly contrasts the speech of the righteous ("bringeth forth wisdom") with the "froward tongue" of the wicked. This immediate proximity reinforces and elaborates upon the chapter's overarching emphasis on the moral implications of verbal communication, positioning Proverbs 10:32 as a continuation of this vital theme. The broader book of Proverbs frequently revisits the theme of the tongue's immense power, as evidenced in passages such as [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue"), which declares that "death and life are in the power of the tongue," and [Proverbs 15:4](/proverbs/15-4 "Proverbs 15:4 - A Wholesome Tongue is a Tree of Life"), which describes a "wholesome tongue" as a "tree of life."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, oral communication held paramount importance, far exceeding the role of written text due to limited literacy. Spoken words served as the primary vehicle for transmitting knowledge, legal statutes, wisdom, and social norms. Consequently, the integrity and impact of one's speech carried immense social, moral, and even spiritual weight. A person's words were perceived as a direct reflection of their inner character and a powerful force capable of either building up or tearing down the community. The wisdom literature, including the book of Proverbs, emerged from a cultural environment where elders and sages meticulously imparted practical and theological wisdom through concise, memorable sayings. This emphasis on discerning speech was crucial for maintaining social order, preserving personal integrity, and demonstrating faithfulness to the covenant. The stark contrast between "acceptable" and "froward" speech would have resonated deeply within a society where public reputation, communal harmony, and divine favor were profoundly influenced by verbal interactions.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 10:32 significantly contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Contrast Between Righteousness and Wickedness**, which forms the bedrock of much of the book's moral instruction. The verse vividly demonstrates how this fundamental moral dichotomy manifests in the realm of speech, revealing words as an outward expression of an inward spiritual state. Secondly, it highlights the **Power and Responsibility of the Tongue**. Proverbs consistently teaches that words are not morally neutral; they possess the inherent capacity for life and death, blessing and cursing, a principle powerfully articulated in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue"). This verse underscores the profound moral accountability attached to every utterance. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Human Conduct**, implying that truly wise speech is that which aligns with God's will and garners His favor. The "acceptable" nature of the righteous's words signifies conformity to divine standards, while "frowardness" denotes rebellion against them. This aligns with the broader biblical call to seek and apply wisdom in all areas of life, as encouraged in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"), which states, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root extends beyond mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes a deep, experiential knowledge, often encompassing discernment, recognition, and even intimate acquaintance. When the lips of the righteous "know" what is acceptable, it implies an intuitive, character-driven understanding of appropriate and pleasing speech, rather than simply adherence to a learned rule. It suggests a cultivated heart that is attuned to discerning God's will and favor.
* **acceptable (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** (H7522) Derived from a root meaning "to be pleased with," this term signifies delight, favor, pleasure, or good will. In the context of speech, it refers to words that are pleasing to God, gracious, beneficial, and well-received by others. It implies speech that aligns with divine standards, fosters harmony, and promotes edification, reflecting a heart that genuinely seeks God's approval and the well-being of the community.
* **frowardness (Hebrew, _tahpukâh'_):** (H8419) This term denotes perversity, fraud, or treachery. It describes speech that is twisted, deceitful, dishonest, and fundamentally contrary to truth and righteousness. Such words are intentionally misleading, harmful, or rebellious against moral and divine order, revealing a corrupt and rebellious inner disposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable":** This clause illuminates the discerning and edifying character of the righteous person's speech. Their "lips" (H8193, _sâphâh_), symbolizing their verbal output, are guided by an inner wisdom that "knows" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) experientially what is "acceptable" (H7522, _râtsôwn_). This acceptability refers to speech that is pleasing to God, beneficial to others, truthful, timely, and gracious. It suggests that the righteous person's words are not accidental but flow from a cultivated character that seeks to honor God and build up humanity.
* **"but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness":** In stark contrast, this clause exposes the corrupt and destructive nature of the wicked person's speech. Their "mouth" (H6310, _peh_), the primary organ of speech, produces "frowardness" (H8419, _tahpukâh_). This "frowardness" signifies speech that is perverse, twisted, deceitful, treacherous, or rebellious. It encompasses lies, slander, manipulation, and words intended to cause harm or discord. This type of speech is a direct manifestation of a heart that is morally wrong (H7563, _râshâʻ_) and alienated from divine truth and goodness.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:32 predominantly employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a defining characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature. This literary device juxtaposes two contrasting ideas or statements in a parallel structure, thereby emphasizing the stark difference between them. Here, the "lips of the righteous" are directly contrasted with the "mouth of the wicked," and their respective verbal outputs—"acceptable" versus "frowardness"—are set in direct opposition. This parallelism serves to highlight the fundamental moral and spiritual divide between the two character types and the distinct consequences that flow from their verbal expressions. The use of **Synecdoche** is also evident, where "lips" and "mouth" are used to represent the entirety of a person's speech or communication. This draws specific attention to the physical organ of utterance, underscoring the direct and inseparable link between inner character and outward verbal manifestation. The verse's concise and declarative nature further contributes to its mnemonic quality, making it easily remembered and applied as a foundational principle for wise living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Theologically, Proverbs 10:32 profoundly aligns with the biblical understanding of the human heart as the ultimate wellspring of all human action, including speech. Jesus Himself taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," thereby reinforcing the idea that our words are not superficial utterances but rather a direct revelation of our inner spiritual condition and moral alignment. The sharp contrast between "acceptable" and "froward" speech reflects the fundamental theological distinction between those who are in covenant with God and earnestly strive to live righteously, and those who are alienated from Him and pursue wickedness. Acceptable speech is an expression of God's wisdom and a conduit of His grace, while frowardness is a clear manifestation of sin and rebellion. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that true righteousness is holistic, encompassing not only our deeds but also the very words we utter, which bear witness to the transformative character of God at work within us, or the tragic absence thereof.

* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")
* [James 3:8](/james/3-8 "James 3:8 - Taming the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:32 offers profound and enduring practical application for believers across all generations. It challenges us to look beyond the superficiality of our words and delve into the very heart from which they originate. In a contemporary world saturated with casual communication, pervasive social media, and often careless rhetoric, this verse issues a compelling call to intentionality, discernment, and moral accountability in our speech. The "acceptable" nature of the righteous's speech implies a constant, conscious striving for words that are truthful, gracious, edifying, and honoring to God. This necessitates a deliberate effort to cultivate a heart that is aligned with divine wisdom, seeking to please God above all else, rather than merely satisfying personal desires or conforming to worldly trends. Conversely, recognizing "frowardness" as a defining characteristic of the wicked compels us to actively resist and repent of any speech that is deceitful, harmful, or perverse. Our words wield immense power—they can build up or tear down, bring life or death. Therefore, we are called to filter all our communication through the lens of God's holy character, ensuring that our lips reflect the righteousness of Christ and serve as instruments of His grace and truth in a world desperately in need of both.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does my daily speech reveal about the true condition of my heart?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a deeper "knowledge" of what is acceptable in my words, both in private conversations and public discourse?**
* **Are there areas of "frowardness" (e.g., deceit, negativity, gossip, anger, cynicism) in my speech that I need to confess, repent of, and actively work to transform?**
* **How can I intentionally use my words today to bring grace, truth, encouragement, and edification to those around me, reflecting the character of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "acceptable" mean in the context of the righteous's speech?**

Answer: In Proverbs 10:32, "acceptable" (Hebrew: _râtsôwn_) refers to speech that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. It encompasses words that are truthful, gracious, timely, edifying, and spoken with good will and a desire for harmony. Such speech aligns with divine wisdom and reflects a heart that genuinely seeks God's favor and the well-being of the community. It's not merely about being socially agreeable for its own sake, but about speaking in a way that honors God and builds up, as encouraged by the Apostle Paul in [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech"), which advises, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

**How does "frowardness" manifest in speech today?**

Answer: "Frowardness" (Hebrew: _tahpukâh_) describes speech that is perverse, twisted, deceitful, or rebellious. Today, this can manifest in numerous ways, including intentional lies, slander, malicious gossip, cynical or mocking speech, words designed to manipulate or mislead, and any communication that is contrary to truth and righteousness. It is speech that actively seeks to undermine, harm, or sow discord, flowing from a heart that is resistant to God's ways. As Jesus noted, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" in [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart"), indicating that froward speech is a symptom of an unrighteous heart.

**Is this verse only about what we say, or does it imply more?**

Answer: While the verse explicitly addresses "lips" and "mouth," it profoundly implies that speech is a direct and powerful outflow of one's inner character and moral condition. The stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked highlights that our words are not isolated actions but rather indicators of who we are at our core. Therefore, the verse calls us to examine not just our words, but the heart from which they spring. To truly speak what is acceptable, one must cultivate a righteous heart, transformed by God's grace, as seen in the broader biblical emphasis on internal transformation leading to external fruit, such as in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - Good and Evil from the Heart"), which states, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:32 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous one, whose "lips" always "knew what was acceptable." Unlike fallen humanity, whose speech is often tainted by sin and frowardness, Jesus' words were pure, truthful, and consistently pleasing to the Father. He is the living Word, the [Logos](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") incarnate, through whom all things were made and by whom God fully revealed Himself to humanity. His speech consistently brought grace, truth, and life, healing the sick, teaching with unparalleled authority, and speaking words of eternal life, as powerfully exemplified in His transformative sermon on the mount found in [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodied the antithesis to "frowardness"; He "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Example"), echoing the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Suffering Servant")). His words were never perverse, misleading, or destructive, even when faced with intense opposition and false accusations. As believers, our ability to speak "acceptable" words is not inherent but is a direct result of our union with Christ. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are progressively conformed to His image, enabling our transformed hearts to produce speech that honors God and edifies others, reflecting the very character of the one who is the [Truth](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life") Himself.

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

Proverbs 12:6

¶ The words of the wicked [are] to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

Proverbs 15:28

¶ The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Proverbs 2:12

To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things;

Proverbs 11:11

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 15:2

¶ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Ecclesiastes 12:10

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth.