TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 16:27–28.
There are those that are not only vicious themselves, but spiteful and mischievous to others, and they are the worst of men; two sorts of such are here described: - 1. Such as envy a man the honour of his good name, and do all they can to blast that by calumnies and misrepresentations: They dig up evil; they take a great deal of pains to find out something or other on which to ground a slander, or which may give some colour to it. If none appear above ground, rather than want it they will dig for it, by diving into what is secret, or looking a great way back, or by evil suspicions and surmises, and forced innuendos. In the lips of a slanderer and backbiter there is as a fire, not only to brand his neighbour's reputation, to smoke and sully it, but as a burning fire to consume it. And how great a matter does a little of this fire kindle, and how hardly is it extinguished! Jam 3:5, Jam 3:6. 2. Such as envy a man the comfort of his friendship, and do all they can to break that, by suggesting that on both sides which will set those at variance that are most nearly related and have been long intimate, or at least cool and alienate their affections one from another: A froward man, that cannot find in his heart to love any body but himself, is vexed to see others live in love, and therefore makes it is his business to sow strife, by giving men base characters one of another, telling lies, and carrying ill-natured stories between chief friends, so as to separate them one from another, and make them angry at or at least suspicious of one another. Those are bad men, and bad women too, that do such ill offices; they are doing the devil's work, and his will their wages be.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
The wicked man digs up evil, etc. And the prophet says, They have labored to commit iniquity (Jeremiah IX). It can also specifically be understood about the heretic, who breaks up the most beautiful and flourishing fields of divine utterances with the harmful ploughshare of his tongue, to draw out from their inner parts wicked senses that are not there. In whose lips a fire burns, by which he destroys himself and his listeners forever. Hence James also says, The tongue is set among our members, defiling the whole body; and sets on fire the wheel of our birth, being set on fire by hell.
Continue studying Proverbs 16:27 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Proverbs 16:27 issues a profound warning about the destructive character and influence of an ungodly individual, particularly as manifested through their speech. It vividly portrays a person whose disposition leads them to actively seek out, uncover, or even fabricate wickedness, and whose words possess a consuming power akin to a raging fire, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. This proverb underscores the inseparable link between one's inner moral state and the outward manifestation of that state through harmful communication, highlighting the profound consequences of a heart estranged from God.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 16:27 is situated within a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16), which predominantly feature two-line sayings that frequently contrast wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and the inevitable consequences of each. This particular proverb is part of a section that often addresses the immense power of the tongue and the critical importance of righteous speech, a pervasive theme throughout the entire book of Proverbs. Verses immediately preceding and following it also delve into the character and actions of the wicked versus the righteous, emphasizing the moral choices that shape an individual's life and influence their community. For instance, Proverbs 16:26 touches on the motivation of labor, while Proverbs 16:28 warns against a "froward man" who sows discord, further reinforcing the impact of an individual's disposition and words on their social fabric.
Historical & Cultural Context
The book of Proverbs is a cornerstone of the ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, designed to impart practical and moral instruction for living a flourishing life in covenant with God. In a society where oral communication was the primary means of information exchange and social interaction, the spoken word carried immense weight and authority. Reputations were meticulously built and swiftly destroyed through speech, and the harmony of the community was heavily reliant on truthful, edifying, and responsible communication. The imagery of "digging" would have resonated deeply within an agrarian society, immediately bringing to mind actions like digging wells, setting traps, or laying foundations. Similarly, "fire" was a familiar element, used for cooking, warmth, and purification, but also for widespread destruction. The concept of an "ungodly man" (Hebrew: bᵉlîyaʻal) also held significant cultural meaning, referring to one who is worthless, destructive, and often associated with rebellion against God and established social order, as vividly illustrated by the "sons of Belial" in narratives like 1 Samuel 2:12.
Key Themes
This proverb powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the intentionality and active pursuit of evil, portraying the wicked as diligently seeking out and cultivating mischief rather than merely stumbling into it. The act of "digging up evil" suggests a premeditated, laborious effort to cause harm, whether through spreading rumors, concocting lies, or planning malicious acts. Secondly, it underscores the destructive power of speech, illustrating how words, like a "burning fire," can rapidly spread, consuming reputations, relationships, and peace within a community. This theme is consistently echoed throughout Proverbs, emphasizing that the tongue, though physically small, possesses vast potential for both immense good and profound ill (e.g., Proverbs 18:21). Finally, it reinforces the overarching theme of character and consequence, demonstrating that an individual's inner moral disposition (ungodliness) inevitably manifests in their outward actions, particularly in their communication, leading to destructive and ruinous outcomes.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H1100) is a compound of two Hebrew words: bᵉlî ("without") and yaʻal ("profit" or "worth"). It literally signifies "worthlessness" or "uselessness." Often used in connection with "man" (ʼîysh), it describes an individual of utterly depraved character, whose actions and words are devoid of any moral benefit or good, leading instead to ruin and destruction. Such a person is characterized by a fundamental lack of regard for divine or human standards of righteousness, embodying wickedness and rebellion.
The Hebrew root (H3738) primarily means "to dig," as one would excavate a well or a pit. Figuratively, as employed here, it conveys the idea of actively searching out, uncovering, or even fabricating something. In the context of "evil," it implies a deliberate and diligent effort to find opportunities for mischief, to unearth scandalous information, or to concoct malicious schemes. It suggests a proactive malevolence, where the ungodly person is not merely prone to evil but actively invests effort in its pursuit and propagation, demonstrating a determined commitment to harm.
This primitive Hebrew word (H784) refers to fire, both literally and figuratively. When paired with "burning" (H6867, tsârebeth, meaning conflagration or inflammation), it creates a powerful image of intense, consuming heat. In the context of speech, it symbolizes the rapid, widespread, and devastating effects of malicious words. Just as a physical fire can quickly spread out of control, destroying everything in its path, so too can the words of an ungodly person ignite conflict, ruin reputations, and consume peace, leaving only ashes and desolation.
Verse Breakdown
"An ungodly man diggeth up evil:"
This initial clause introduces the subject as an "ungodly man," immediately highlighting his inherent character as one who is morally bankrupt and destructive. The verb "diggeth up" vividly portrays his active and intentional pursuit of wickedness. He doesn't merely stumble upon evil; he actively seeks it out, unearths it, or even creates it, much like one might diligently dig for treasure or water. This implies a premeditated and purposeful effort to find or concoct mischief, slander, or discord, demonstrating a heart fully committed to malevolence and harm.
"and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire."
This second clause reveals the primary instrument and devastating effect of the ungodly man's evil intent: his speech. The phrase "in his lips" emphasizes that his words are the direct vehicle for his destructive nature. The simile "as a burning fire" dramatically illustrates the nature of these words. They are not merely harsh or unkind; they are intensely destructive, capable of spreading rapidly, consuming relationships, reputations, and peace, much like a wildfire. The imagery conveys the painful, consuming, and often irreversible damage inflicted by malicious, deceitful, or slanderous speech, leaving widespread devastation.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 16:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and impact. The most prominent is Simile, powerfully evident in the phrase "as a burning fire." This comparison vividly illustrates the destructive power of the ungodly man's words, likening them to a rapidly spreading and consuming conflagration. This evokes strong Imagery of heat, pain, and widespread destruction, allowing the reader to viscerally grasp the profound harm caused by such speech. Furthermore, the phrase "diggeth up evil" utilizes Metaphor, treating evil as if it were a tangible object that can be unearthed or sought out. This device emphasizes the active and intentional nature of the ungodly person's malice, portraying them not as passively falling into sin but as diligently working to bring about harm. The entire verse functions as a form of Proverbial Parallelism, where the first line describes the character and intent ("an ungodly man diggeth up evil") and the second line describes the manifestation and devastating consequence of that character, specifically through speech ("and in his lips there is as a burning fire"), reinforcing the deep connection between inner disposition and outward expression.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb deeply connects to the biblical understanding of the heart as the wellspring of life and, consequently, of speech. The "ungodly man" is not merely someone who occasionally speaks ill, but one whose very character is defined by a fundamental lack of reverence for God and a propensity for destruction. His words are not accidental but flow directly from a heart that actively "digs up evil," meaning he is intentional and diligent in his malice. This highlights a fundamental theological truth: our words are a direct, undeniable reflection of our inner spiritual state. A heart estranged from God, filled with wickedness, will inevitably produce words that are destructive, divisive, and harmful, mirroring the chaos and rebellion within. Conversely, a heart transformed by God's wisdom and grace will produce words that build up, heal, and bring life. The proverb serves as a stark reminder that true wisdom and godliness must permeate not only our actions but also, and perhaps most powerfully, our speech, for the tongue holds immense power for good or ill in God's economy.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 16:27 offers a profound mirror for self-examination and a crucial lens for discerning the character of others. It compels us to consider the source and impact of our own words. Are we, even subtly, "digging up evil" by engaging in gossip, spreading rumors, or seeking out flaws in others to highlight them? Do our words ignite conflict, division, or hurt, like a "burning fire," or do they bring warmth, light, and healing? This proverb challenges us to move beyond superficial politeness to cultivate a heart truly aligned with God's wisdom, knowing that genuine transformation begins within and inevitably manifests in our speech. It calls us to be intentional about speaking words that are truthful, gracious, and edifying, recognizing the immense power our tongue wields to either build up or tear down, to bless or to curse. Living wisely means not only avoiding malicious speech but actively pursuing speech that reflects the character of Christ, ensuring our words are a source of life, not destruction.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "diggeth up evil" truly imply about the ungodly man's character?
The phrase "diggeth up evil" (from the Hebrew kârâh) implies a deep-seated, active, and intentional malevolence. It suggests that the ungodly man is not merely passive in his wickedness or prone to accidental misdeeds. Instead, he diligently searches for, uncovers, or even fabricates opportunities to cause harm, sow discord, or spread malicious falsehoods. This reveals a heart that is not merely lacking good but is actively committed to the pursuit of destructive ends, much like one would diligently dig for a hidden treasure or a strategic pit. It speaks to a premeditated and purposeful engagement with wickedness, indicating a fundamental moral corruption.
How does the imagery of "burning fire" relate to the impact of words in modern society?
The imagery of "burning fire" remains incredibly relevant today, even in our digital age. Just as a physical fire can spread rapidly and cause widespread destruction, so too can malicious or deceitful words, especially through platforms like social media, news outlets, and online forums. Slander, gossip, misinformation, and hateful rhetoric can "burn" through reputations, relationships, and even entire communities, igniting conflicts, destroying trust, and leaving emotional and social devastation in their wake. The speed and reach of modern communication amplify the potential for words to act as a "burning fire," underscoring the timeless warning of this proverb about the destructive power of ungodly speech. The warning in James 3:5-6 about the tongue being a fire that sets the course of life on fire is particularly apt for our contemporary context.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 16:27, with its stark portrayal of the destructive speech of the ungodly, finds its ultimate contrast and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the ungodly man "diggeth up evil" and his lips are "as a burning fire," Jesus's life was characterized by perfect righteousness, and His words were always life-giving, truthful, and filled with grace. He never sought to unearth evil for malicious purposes but rather exposed it to bring healing, repentance, and redemption, as seen in His encounters with sinners (e.g., John 8:7). His lips did not contain a "burning fire" of destruction, but rather a consuming love that purged sin and offered reconciliation. The people marveled at the "gracious words that came from his lips" (Luke 4:22), for He spoke with authority and truth, bringing light into darkness. He is the very embodiment of the wisdom that Proverbs commends, and His speech perfectly reflected the character of God the Father. For believers, Christ's life and words serve as the ultimate model. Through His atoning sacrifice, He transforms the "ungodly man" into a new creation, empowering us by His indwelling Spirit to put away destructive speech and instead speak words that build up, impart grace to those who hear, and reflect His truth and love (Ephesians 4:29). The fulfillment of this proverb in Christ is not merely His perfect example, but also His power to change our hearts so that our lips, once prone to evil, may become instruments of His peace, light, and redemptive purpose in the world.