Proverbs 16:30

KJV

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shutteth {H6095} his eyes {H5869} to devise {H2803} froward things {H8419}: moving {H7169} his lips {H8193} he bringeth {H3615} evil {H7451} to pass {H3615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One who winks knowingly is planning deceit; one who pinches his lips together has already done wrong.

Berean Standard Bible

He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

American Standard Version

He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 16:30 vividly portrays the intentionality and progression of evil in the heart of the wicked. It describes a person who deliberately shuts out truth and light, meticulously plotting perverse schemes, and then subtly, through deceptive communication, brings these malicious intentions to fruition. The verse underscores that wickedness is not accidental but a calculated process, moving from internal thought to external, harmful action, often executed with cunning and stealth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 16:30 is situated within a larger section of the book of Proverbs (chapters 10-29) that comprises a collection of Solomon's proverbs, focusing on practical wisdom for daily living. Specifically, chapter 16 often contrasts the ways of the righteous with the ways of the wicked, emphasizing divine sovereignty and the consequences of human choices. Verses immediately preceding this one, such as [Proverbs 16:27](/proverbs/16-27 "Proverbs 16:27 - The Scoundrel's Evil Plan") and [Proverbs 16:28](/proverbs/16-28 "Proverbs 16:28 - A Perverse Person Sows Discord"), describe the character of the scoundrel and the perverse person, highlighting their destructive nature and their role in spreading strife. Thus, verse 30 serves as a deeper dive into the internal machinations and subtle execution of evil by such individuals, showing how their wickedness is conceived and brought to pass.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where instruction in moral and ethical conduct was highly valued, often passed down from elders to younger generations. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual prowess but the practical skill of living righteously in covenant with God. The imagery of "shutteth his eyes" and "moving his lips" would have been readily understood in a society where non-verbal cues and subtle communication were significant. Deceit and cunning were recognized dangers, particularly in legal or social interactions, and the proverbs frequently warn against those who use such means to exploit or harm others. The emphasis on the heart and its intentions aligns with the broader biblical understanding that true righteousness begins internally, as seen throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Law and Prophets.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **intentionality of evil**, showing that wickedness is often a deliberate, conceived act rather than an accidental failing. This theme is echoed in other proverbs that speak of the wicked heart, such as [Proverbs 6:14](/proverbs/6-14 "Proverbs 6:14 - A Froward Heart Devises Mischief"). Secondly, it highlights the **progression of sin**, demonstrating how evil originates in the mind ("devise froward things") and then manifests outwardly through action or communication ("moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass"). This progression from thought to deed is a foundational biblical concept, found also in the New Testament, as seen in [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - The Progression of Sin"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **deceit and subtlety** in the execution of wickedness, suggesting that the wicked often operate covertly, using hidden cues or whispers to achieve their nefarious ends, a warning frequently found in the wisdom literature regarding the dangers of the unrighteous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Devise (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** This primitive root means to plait or interpenetrate, figuratively to plot or contrive, often in a malicious sense. It denotes a mental effort to think, regard, or compute. In Proverbs 16:30, it emphasizes the deliberate, calculating nature of the wicked person's thoughts, indicating that evil is not spontaneous but meticulously planned and concocted in the mind. The individual actively "fabricates" or "invents" their perverse schemes.
* **Froward things (Hebrew, _tahpukâh'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to turn over" or "overthrow," _tahpukâh_ refers to perversity, crookedness, or distorted things. It describes actions or intentions that are twisted, contrary to what is right or righteous, and morally perverse. It signifies a deliberate turning away from truth and justice, embracing what is morally corrupt and contrary to God's law.
* **Moving (Hebrew, _qârats'_):** This primitive root means to pinch, bite the lips, or blink the eyes, often as a gesture of malice. While KJV translates it as "moving his lips," the underlying Hebrew suggests a more subtle, non-verbal cue—a malicious wink, a biting of the lip, or a subtle gesture that signals complicity or hidden intent. This highlights the clandestine and deceptive manner in which the wicked communicate and execute their plans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shutteth his eyes":** This phrase describes a deliberate, intentional action. It suggests a closing off of external light or truth, perhaps to concentrate on the internal plotting of evil, or to avoid seeing the consequences of their actions, or even to feign innocence or disinterest while plotting. It implies a focused, internal process of conception, where the individual withdraws from external stimuli to immerse themselves in their wicked thoughts.
* **"to devise froward things":** This clause reveals the purpose behind the closed eyes: to meticulously plan and concoct schemes that are perverse, twisted, and morally corrupt. It emphasizes the active mental effort involved in formulating evil, highlighting that the wickedness is not accidental but a product of careful, malicious design. The "froward things" are those that are contrary to God's will and righteous living.
* **"moving his lips":** This refers to a subtle, often non-verbal, gesture or communication. Based on the Hebrew _qârats_, it could be a malicious wink, a biting of the lip, or a subtle signal. It suggests a clandestine form of communication, perhaps with an accomplice, or a subtle expression of internal thought that precedes outward action. It implies a secretive and deceptive manner of operation.
* **"he bringeth evil to pass":** This final clause describes the culmination and outcome of the wicked person's internal plotting and subtle communication. The planned evil is not merely conceived but is successfully executed and manifested in reality. The individual's actions, whether through direct deed or subtle influence, result in actual harm or wrongdoing.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 16:30 employs powerful **Imagery** to depict the character and actions of the wicked. The phrases "shutteth his eyes" and "moving his lips" create a vivid mental picture of a person consumed by malicious intent, operating in stealth and deception. These specific body parts serve as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the eyes and lips represent the entirety of the wicked person's deliberate thought process and subtle communication. The verse also demonstrates a clear **Progression** from internal thought to external action: the plotting begins internally with closed eyes, moves to subtle communication through the lips, and culminates in the actualization of evil. This sequential portrayal emphasizes the intentionality and methodical nature of wickedness. Implicitly, there is also a **Contrast** with the righteous, who are characterized by openness, truth, and actions that bring good to pass, highlighting the stark difference between the two paths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 16:30 offers profound theological insights into the nature of sin and the human heart. It reveals that evil is not merely an external act but originates in the deepest intentions and thoughts of an individual, emphasizing the heart's capacity for deliberate malice. This internal plotting, often hidden and subtle, inevitably leads to outward manifestation, underscoring the biblical truth that actions are a direct outflow of one's inner state. The verse highlights the insidious nature of wickedness, which often operates through deception and clandestine means, rather than overt aggression. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for discernment and vigilance against those who plot harm, and for believers, a call to guard their own hearts against the very seeds of evil.

* [Proverbs 6:14](/proverbs/6-14 "Proverbs 6:14 - A Perverse Heart Devises Mischief")
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Evil Thoughts from the Heart")
* [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - The Progression of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 16:30 serves as a potent mirror for self-examination and a guide for discerning the character of others. It challenges us to consider the true source of our actions, reminding us that every outward deed, whether good or evil, often begins with an internal thought or intention. For the believer, this verse underscores the critical importance of guarding the heart, as exhorted in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"). We are called to cultivate a heart that delights in righteousness, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our inner desires so that our thoughts, words, and actions align with God's will. It also encourages us to develop spiritual discernment, recognizing that evil often operates subtly, through hidden motives and deceptive communications, rather than overt displays. We must be wise to the tactics of those who plot harm, protecting ourselves and others from their insidious influence, while simultaneously striving to live with integrity and transparency, letting our lives be a testament to the light of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "shuttering my eyes" to truth or conscience, allowing ungodly thoughts to fester?**
* **How does this verse challenge me to examine the intentions behind my own words and actions?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that devises good things, rather than froward ones?**
* **How can I better discern subtle forms of deception and malice in the world around me?**

### FAQ

**What does "shutteth his eyes" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Shutteth his eyes" (Hebrew: `H6095` _ʻâtsâh_, to close or fasten; `H5869` _ʻayin_, eye) signifies a deliberate and intentional act of closing off external input or moral light. It suggests a focused concentration on internal plotting, a willful blindness to truth or conscience, or a feigned disinterest to conceal malicious intent. It's not about physical blindness, but a moral and intellectual decision to disregard righteousness in favor of devising evil.

**What are "froward things" and why are they significant?**

Answer: "Froward things" (Hebrew: `H8419` _tahpukâh_) refers to perversities, crookedness, or distorted things. These are actions, plans, or intentions that are twisted, morally corrupt, and contrary to God's righteous standards. Their significance lies in the fact that they are not mere mistakes but are deliberately conceived and executed acts of rebellion against divine order and moral uprightness. The term highlights the intentional deviation from what is good and just.

**How does "moving his lips" lead to "bringing evil to pass"?**

Answer: "Moving his lips" (Hebrew: `H7169` _qârats_, to pinch, bite lips, or wink; `H8193` _sâphâh_, lip) implies a subtle, often non-verbal, form of communication or signaling. While the KJV translates it literally as "moving lips," the underlying Hebrew suggests a malicious wink, a subtle gesture, or a whispered word that conveys hidden intent or conspires with others. This subtle communication is the mechanism by which the internally devised "froward things" are put into action, leading to the successful execution of the wicked plan and thus "bringing evil to pass" (`H3615` _kâlâh_, to complete, accomplish; `H7451` _raʻ_, evil). It emphasizes the clandestine and deceptive nature of the wicked person's methods.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 16:30, in its stark portrayal of the wicked heart, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse describes those who deliberately shut their eyes to devise evil and subtly bring it to pass, Christ is the very embodiment of truth and light, who came to expose the darkness and reveal the hidden intentions of the heart. Jesus consistently condemned the hypocrisy of those who outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly harbored malice, as seen in His teachings in [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). He taught that evil originates from within, from the heart, stating in [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - What Defiles a Person") that "out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." Unlike the one who "shutteth his eyes" to plot evil, Christ's eyes were open to the suffering of humanity, filled with compassion and discernment, seeing beyond superficial appearances to the true state of the soul ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). His "lips" did not move to bring evil to pass, but rather to speak words of life, truth, and grace, bringing salvation and healing to those who believed ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). Ultimately, the judgment promised to those who "bring evil to pass" is fully and perfectly executed through Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, revealing every hidden thing ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")). For believers, Christ enables a new heart, transforming us from those who might devise froward things to those who, by His Spirit, are empowered to walk in integrity and bring forth good fruit, reflecting His light in a world still darkened by subtle evils ([Ephesians 5:8-9](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8-9 - Walk as Children of Light")).

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

Matthew 27:23

And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

Matthew 27:26

¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.

Proverbs 6:12

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

Proverbs 6:14

Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

Isaiah 6:10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Micah 7:3

That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

Matthew 14:7

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.