Proverbs 17:20

¶ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

He that hath a froward {H6141} heart {H3820} findeth {H4672} no good {H2896}: and he that hath a perverse {H2015} tongue {H3956} falleth {H5307} into mischief {H7451}.

A crooked-hearted person will find nothing good, and the perverse of speech will end in calamity.

The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Commentary

Proverbs 17:20 offers a profound insight into the direct correlation between one's inner character and outward expression, and the inevitable consequences that follow. It emphasizes that a corrupted inner disposition and deceitful speech lead to negative outcomes, highlighting a core principle of biblical wisdom literature.

Context

As part of the Book of Proverbs, this verse belongs to a collection of short, pithy sayings designed to impart wisdom, moral instruction, and understanding of God's ways. Proverbs often contrasts the path of the righteous with that of the wicked, demonstrating that choices have consequences. This particular proverb focuses on the internal state (the heart) and its external manifestation (the tongue), presenting a universal truth about the cause-and-effect relationship between character and destiny. It underscores the importance of guarding one's heart and controlling one's speech.

Key Themes

  • The Corrupt Heart: The phrase "froward heart" points to an inner disposition that is twisted, rebellious, or deceitful. Such a heart is not aligned with truth or righteousness and consequently "findeth no good"—it cannot experience true prosperity, well-being, or blessing because its foundation is flawed.
  • The Perilous Tongue: A "perverse tongue" signifies speech that is crooked, false, or misleading. This kind of communication not only harms others but also inevitably leads the speaker into trouble. The Bible frequently warns about the power and danger of the tongue.
  • Inescapable Consequences: The verse clearly links internal corruption and external deceit to negative results. A froward heart prevents one from receiving good, and a perverse tongue leads directly to "mischief" or calamity. This illustrates the principle that what one sows, one will inevitably reap.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "froward" (luwz, related to naloz) means "to depart, be perverse, be crooked." It implies a deliberate turning away from what is straight or right, a spiritual and moral distortion.
  • "Perverse" (tahpukah) comes from a root meaning "to turn over, overturn, pervert." It emphasizes the idea of speech that is twisted, deceitful, or utterly contrary to truth.
  • "Mischief" (ra'ah) is a broad term in Hebrew that can mean evil, trouble, calamity, or harm. The choice of this word highlights that the consequences are not merely inconvenient but potentially destructive. The combination of these terms paints a vivid picture of self-inflicted harm through corrupt character and communication.

Practical Application

Proverbs 17:20 serves as a timeless warning and a call to introspection. It challenges us to examine both our inner motivations and our outward expressions:

  • Cultivate a Right Heart: True well-being begins internally. We are called to seek a heart that is honest, righteous, and aligned with God's will, rather than one that is twisted or rebellious. This requires a process of spiritual transformation and surrender.
  • Guard Your Words: Recognize the immense power of your speech. Deceitful, malicious, or manipulative words not only damage relationships but also create a path to personal trouble and sorrow. Strive for words that are truthful, edifying, and gracious.
  • Understand Consequences: The verse reminds us that our character and communication patterns have direct, often inevitable, consequences. Living with integrity and speaking truth leads to a more stable and blessed life, whereas perversity invites trouble. It encourages us to choose the path of wisdom for our own good.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • James 3:6

    And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

  • James 3:8

    But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

  • Proverbs 10:31

    ¶ The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

  • Psalms 18:26

    With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

  • Proverbs 10:10

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

  • Proverbs 6:12

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

  • Proverbs 6:15

    Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
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