Proverbs 17:4

¶ A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; [and] a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

A wicked doer {H7489} giveth heed {H7181} to false {H205} lips {H8193}; and a liar {H8267} giveth ear {H238} to a naughty {H1942} tongue {H3956}.

An evildoer heeds wicked lips; a liar listens to destructive talk.

A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.

An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; Anda liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.

Proverbs 17:4 presents a profound observation on the nature of wickedness and its affinity for deceit. This verse highlights a principle of moral gravitation: those who are themselves corrupt are drawn to and receptive of corrupting influences.

Context and Wisdom Literature

As part of the Book of Proverbs, this verse belongs to the rich tradition of Hebrew wisdom literature. Proverbs often uses antithetical parallelism to contrast righteous and wicked behavior, revealing the consequences of each. Here, it exposes the internal disposition that makes one susceptible to harmful speech. The book consistently emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating life's moral complexities.

Key Themes

  • Affinity for Evil: The verse suggests that a "wicked doer" (one who practices evil) is predisposed to believe "false lips," and a "liar" (one who speaks falsely) readily accepts a "naughty tongue." This implies that people are often drawn to and influenced by speech that aligns with their own character or desires. There's a moral resonance where like attracts like.
  • The Danger of Deception: It underscores the pervasive nature of deception and the readiness with which it can be embraced by those whose hearts are not committed to truth. This is a warning about both speaking and receiving falsehoods.
  • Discernment and Character: The verse implicitly calls for self-examination and vigilance. Our reception of information and influence is often a reflection of our own internal state. A good heart seeks truth, while a corrupt one is comfortable with lies.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "naughty tongue" in KJV uses an older sense of "naughty," derived from a word meaning "worthless" or "bad." The Hebrew word used here is 'aven (אָוֶן), which carries connotations of trouble, sorrow, wickedness, vanity, or iniquity. Thus, a "naughty tongue" is not merely mischievous, but one that is evil, destructive, or brings harm and trouble. Similarly, "false lips" refers to deceitful or lying speech.

Related Scriptures

This proverb serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of choosing our influences wisely. Just as walking with the wise makes one wise, associating with or giving ear to the wicked can corrupt one's own path. The verse highlights how those who already walk in darkness are especially susceptible to the whispers of deceit and malice. This principle extends beyond mere listening; it affects what we choose to believe and internalize.

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of lying and wicked speech. For instance, a lying tongue is listed among the things the Lord hates, and the New Testament speaks of liars having their part in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). Therefore, this proverb is not only a description of human nature but also a caution to cultivate a heart that loves truth, so as to be resistant to the allure of falsehood.

Practical Application

For us today, Proverbs 17:4 calls for introspection: What kind of information do we consume? To whom do we give our ear? If we find ourselves drawn to gossip, negativity, or untruths, it may indicate a need for a deeper examination of our own heart and motives. Cultivating a love for truth, integrity, and righteousness will naturally make us less receptive to "false lips" and "naughty tongues," enabling us to better discern and resist the corrupting influences of the world.

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.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

  • 2 Timothy 4:4

    And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

  • 1 John 4:5

    They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

  • Proverbs 28:4

    ¶ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

  • Isaiah 30:10

    Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

  • Jeremiah 5:31

    The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

  • Revelation 13:3

    And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

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