Proverbs 16:30

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Proverbs 16:30 is part of the extensive collection of wisdom literature found in the book of Proverbs, which offers practical guidance for living a righteous and discerning life. This particular verse focuses on the character and actions of the wicked, contrasting their deliberate plotting of evil with the path of the wise. It fits within a broader section of the book that frequently highlights the consequences of one's choices and the stark differences between those who walk in integrity and those who pursue wickedness.

Key Themes

  • The Intentionality of Evil: The verse emphasizes that evil is not accidental but is often conceived and planned with malicious intent. The phrase "He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things" suggests a deliberate, concentrated effort to concoct wrongdoing, perhaps even to shut out the light of truth or conscience.
  • Progression of Sin: It illustrates the journey from an internal thought or scheme to outward manifestation. The process begins with internal plotting ("devise froward things") and culminates in action ("bringeth evil to pass") through speech or subtle communication ("moving his lips"). This highlights how thoughts precede and shape actions.
  • Deceit and Subtlety: The imagery of "shutteth his eyes" and "moving his lips" points to a clandestine and often deceptive nature of the wicked. Their plotting is not open but hidden, using subtle cues or whispered words to achieve their nefarious goals.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "froward things" is tahpûkhâh (תַּהְפֻּכוֹת), which means "perversities," "crookedness," or "distorted things." It speaks to actions that are twisted, contrary to righteousness, and morally perverse.

The phrase "moving his lips" comes from the Hebrew qerets (קֶרֶץ), which can refer to a pinch, a biting, or more commonly, a malicious wink or subtle gesture, often associated with deceit and plotting. The KJV's "moving his lips" is an interpretation of this gesture, implying that the villain communicates or signals their evil intentions, bringing their wicked schemes into reality through subtle means.

Related Scriptures

This verse resonates with other scriptures that address the wicked heart and the progression of sin. The idea of devising mischief continually is also found in Proverbs 6:14. The concept that sin begins in the mind and then manifests in action is a profound biblical truth, echoed by James 1:15, which states, "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." The destructive power of words and deceitful lips is a recurring warning throughout Proverbs, such as in Proverbs 10:18.

Practical Application

Proverbs 16:30 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding our thoughts and intentions. It warns against the deliberate planning of evil and highlights how even subtle actions or communications can lead to harmful outcomes. For believers, it underscores the call to live with integrity, ensuring that our inner thoughts and outward expressions align with righteousness. It also encourages discernment, helping us to recognize and avoid those who plot deceitfully, as their subtle actions can "bring evil to pass."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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