TRV
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 6:12–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon here gives us,
I.The characters of one that is mischievous to man and dangerous to be dealt with.
If the slothful are to be condemned, that do nothing, much more those that do ill, and contrive to do all the ill they can. It is a naughty person that is here spoken of, Heb. A man of Belial; I think it should have been so translated, because it is a term often used in scripture, and this is the explication of it. Observe,
1.How a man of Belial is here described. He is a wicked man, that makes a trade of doing evil, especially with his tongue, for he walks and works his designs with a froward mouth (Pro 6:12), by lying and perverseness, and a direct opposition to God and man. He says and does every thing,
(1.)Very artfully and with design. He has the subtlety of the serpent, and carries on his projects with a great deal of craft and management (Pro 6:13), with his eyes, with his feet, with his fingers. He expresses his malice when he dares not speak out (so some), or, rather, thus he carries on his plot; those about him, whom he makes use of as the tools of his wickedness, understand the ill meaning of a wink of his eye, a stamp of his feet, the least motion of his fingers. He gives orders for evil-doing, and yet would not be thought to do so, but has ways of concealing what he does, so that he may not be suspected. He is a close man, and upon the reserve; those only shall be let into the secret that would do any thing he would have them to do. He is a cunning man, and upon the trick; he has a language by himself, which an honest man is not acquainted with, nor desires to be.
(2.)Very spitefully and with ill design. It is not so much ambition or covetousness that is in his heart, as downright frowardness, malice, and ill nature. He aims not so much to enrich and advance himself as to do an ill turn to those about him. He is continually devising one mischief or other, purely for mischief-sake - a man of Belial indeed, of the devil, resembling him not only in subtlety, but in malice.
2.What his doom is (Pro 6:15): His calamity shall come and he shall be broken; he that devised mischief shall fall into mischief. His ruin shall come,
(1.)Without warning. It shall come suddenly: Suddenly shall he be broken, to punish him for all the wicked arts he had to surprise people into his snares.
(2.)Without relief. He shall be irreparably broken, and never able to piece again: He shall be broken without remedy. What relief can he expect that has disobliged all mankind? He shall come to his end and none shall help him, Dan 11:45.
II.A catalogue of those things which are in a special manner odious to God, all which are generally to be found in those men of Belial whom he had described in the foregoing verses; and the last of them (which, being the seventh, seems especially to be intended, because he says they are six, yea, seven) is part of his character, that he sows discord. God hates sin; he hates every sin; he can never be reconciled to it; he hates nothing but sin. But there are some sins which he does in a special manner hate; and all those here mentioned are such as are injurious to our neighbour. It is an evidence of the good-will God bears to mankind that those sins are in a special manner provoking to him which are prejudicial to the comfort of human life and society. Therefore the men of Belial must expect their ruin to come suddenly, and without remedy, because their practices are such as the Lord hates and are an abomination to him, Pro 6:16. Those things which God hates it is no thanks to us to hate in others, but we must hate them in ourselves.
1.Haughtiness, conceitedness of ourselves, and contempt of others - a proud look. There are seven things that God hates, and pride is the first, because it is at the bottom of much sin and gives rise to it. God sees the pride in the heart and hates it there; but, when it prevails to that degree that the show of men's countenance witnesses against them that they overvalue themselves and undervalue all about them, this is in a special manner hateful to him, for then pride is proud of itself and sets shame at defiance.
2.Falsehood, and fraud, and dissimulation. Next to a proud look nothing is more an abomination to God than a lying tongue; nothing more sacred than truth, nor more necessary to conversation than speaking truth. God and all good men hate and abhor lying.
3.Cruelty and blood-thirstiness. The devil was, from the beginning, a liar and a murderer (Joh 8:44), and therefore, as a lying tongue, so hands that shed innocent blood are hateful to God, because they have in them the devil's image and do him service.
4.Subtlety in the contrivance of sin, wisdom to do evil, a heart that designs and a head that devises wicked imaginations, that is acquainted with the depths of Satan and knows how to carry on a covetous, envious, revengeful plot, most effectually. The more there is of craft and management in sin the more it is an abomination to God.
5.Vigour and diligence in the prosecution of sin - feet that are swift in running to mischief, as if they were afraid of losing time or were impatient of delay in a thing they are so greedy of. The policy and vigilance, the eagerness and industry, of sinners, in their sinful pursuits, may shame us who go about that which is good so awkwardly and so coldly.
6.False-witness bearing, which is one of the greatest mischiefs that the wicked imagination can devise, and against which there is least fence. There cannot be a greater affront to God (to whom in an oath appeal is made) nor a greater injury to our neighbour (all whose interests in this world, even the dearest, lie open to an attack of this kind) than knowingly to give in a false testimony. There are seven things which God hates, and lying involves two of them; he hates it, and doubly hates it.
7.Making mischief between relations and neighbours, and using all wicked means possible, not only to alienate their affections one from another, but to irritate their passions one against another. The God of love and peace hates him that sows discord among brethren, for he delights in concord. Those that by tale-bearing and slandering, by carrying ill-natured stories, aggravating every thing that is said and done, and suggesting jealousies and evil surmises, blow the coals of contention, are but preparing for themselves a fire of the same nature.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
“All the time this kind of man stirs up troubles in the city.” Indeed! The words “all the time” are quite strong! In fact, even when such a person intends to command something good, his method of command is still full of suspicion. He leads people to fight and troubles secure cities with riots. This kind of a person has no peaceful spirit, nor has he listened to Jesus, who said, “How blessed are the peacemakers.”
“And poverty will come upon you like an evil traveler, and want like a good runner.” Nothing is worse than poverty. It comes immediately to the idle and even overtakes strong runners in its speed. Poverty is just like need: poverty is lack of knowledge; need is lack of virtue. Can you see the absolute excellence of work? Will you not be taught by instinct? Learn then from an attempt at doing something. Or, do you want to appear even more irrational? Then run away from poverty. Is work at first difficult? Then look to its results. Is idleness sweet? Then consider what comes out of it in the end. So let us not look at the beginning of things, but let us also see where they end up. The one who goes out of his house does not want to stop along the way, but already at the beginning of his journey is thinking about the end. Because he starts out this way, his beginning will bring him to the end. But you do quite the opposite.
An apostate man, a useless man walks with a perverse mouth, etc. He spoke of heresies and other kinds of vices; he had instructed a teacher, aroused the sluggard, but now he reproves the schismatic. Where it should be noted that he who wished to call the sower of quarrels, first named him an apostate, because unless he first fell inwardly in the manner of the proud angel by turning his mind from the sight of the Creator, he would not come outwardly to sow quarrels. He is rightly said to nod with his eyes, scrape with his foot, speak with his finger. For there is an inward custody that orderly preserves the outer members. Therefore, he who has lost the state of his mind flows out into the inconsistency of movement and indicates by external mobility that nothing roots within.
Continue studying Proverbs 6:12 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 6:12 presents a stark portrait of an individual characterized by profound moral depravity and inherent worthlessness, identified as a "naughty person" or "man of Belial." This verse highlights that such an individual's deep-seated wickedness is not merely an internal state but actively manifests through their speech, specifically through a "froward mouth." This signifies communication that is twisted, perverse, and deceitful, underscoring the inextricable link between one's inner character and their outward verbal expressions, setting the stage for a detailed exposition of destructive behavior.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 6:12 initiates a distinct section (Proverbs 6:12-19) that provides a comprehensive character sketch of the "worthless person" (often translated from "Belial"). This passage strategically follows earlier warnings concerning imprudent financial commitments, specifically against acting as surety for a neighbor (Proverbs 6:1-5), and the dangers inherent in slothfulness, illustrated by the diligent ant (Proverbs 6:6-11). The transition from external, behavior-specific dangers (debt, laziness) to the internal corruption of a wicked individual marks a significant shift in focus within the book, moving from specific actions to the very essence of depravity. This verse serves as a crucial introductory characterization, laying the theological and ethical groundwork for the subsequent verses that meticulously detail the specific actions and inevitable downfall of such a person, emphasizing the pervasive and destructive influence of their twisted communication.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, as in many oral cultures of the Near East, the spoken word held immense authority, power, and social consequence. A person's reputation, the validity of contracts, and the very cohesion of the community were profoundly dependent on verbal declarations and oaths. Consequently, a "froward mouth" was not merely a personal failing or a minor character flaw; it constituted a significant societal threat. Such speech was capable of sowing deep discord, spreading malicious lies, undermining trust, and ultimately unraveling the social fabric. The wisdom literature, including the book of Proverbs, was typically transmitted within family units and communal settings, reflecting a pervasive societal emphasis on character formation, ethical conduct, and the critical discernment of individuals based on their consistent patterns of speech and action. The stern warnings against individuals characterized by such speech were practical guides for navigating complex social interactions and preserving the integrity and well-being of the community.
Key Themes
This verse makes a substantial contribution to several overarching theological and ethical themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it profoundly illuminates the nature of wickedness, portraying it not merely as a series of isolated bad actions but as an inherent moral corruption stemming from a "worthless" and depraved character. This suggests a deep-seated opposition to divine order and righteousness. Secondly, it powerfully highlights the power and inherent danger of speech, demonstrating how the tongue can serve as a primary instrument of evil, used to manipulate, deceive, and inflict profound harm. This theme resonates deeply throughout Proverbs, where the words of the wise are depicted as bringing life and healing, while the words of the fool bring destruction and death (e.g., Proverbs 18:21 and Proverbs 12:18). Thirdly, the verse implicitly underscores the critical importance of integrity and discernment, urging the reader to recognize that a person's words are a direct and undeniable reflection of their inner being. Thus, discerning true character necessitates paying close and careful attention to consistent patterns of communication. The foundational binary between the righteous and the wicked, a cornerstone of the wisdom tradition, is clearly delineated here, providing a vivid characterization of the latter.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H1100), often rendered as "worthless," "good for nothing," or "Belial," originates from a root signifying "without profit" or "destruction." It describes an individual utterly devoid of moral value or beneficial intent, whose character is inherently destructive and rebellious. It points to a deep-seated depravity that transcends mere bad behavior, indicating a person fundamentally opposed to righteousness, order, and God's will.
Meaning "nothingness," "trouble," "vanity," or "iniquity" (H205), this word emphasizes the destructive, empty, and morally corrupt nature of the person's actions and character. It suggests that their efforts and intentions lead to naught but harm, often characterized by moral perversity, mischief, and injustice. It highlights the futility and destructive outcome of a life lived apart from truth.
Derived from a root meaning "twisted" or "perverse" (H6143), this word describes something that is crooked, distorted, or contrary to what is right, true, and straightforward. When applied to speech, it signifies communication that is intentionally misleading, deceitful, malicious, or designed to subvert truth, sow discord, or cause harm. It implies a deliberate perversion of language, not merely an accidental error.
Verse Breakdown
"A naughty person, a wicked man"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the profound moral character of the individual. The use of two closely synonymous terms—"naughty person" (referring to one of "Belial," or worthlessness) and "wicked man" (signifying one characterized by trouble or iniquity)—serves to intensify the description, emphasizing their inherent moral corruption and profound worthlessness. This person is not merely flawed but deeply depraved, marked by a destructive nature that is antithetical to wisdom and righteousness.
"walketh"
The verb "walketh" (from the Hebrew hâlak, H1980) signifies a habitual pattern of behavior, a consistent way of life, or a manner of conduct, rather than an isolated incident. It implies that the "froward mouth" is not an occasional slip or an infrequent transgression but a consistent, defining characteristic of this person's daily existence and their interaction with the world. Their perversity is deeply ingrained and constantly expressed through their actions and words.
"with a froward mouth"
This concluding clause reveals the primary and most evident means by which the "naughty" and "wicked" character manifests itself. The "mouth" (from the Hebrew peh, H6310) represents speech, communication, and verbal expression in its broadest sense. The adjective "froward" (from ʻiqqᵉshûwth, H6143) highlights that their words are consistently twisted, perverse, deceitful, malicious, and fundamentally contrary to truth and righteousness. Their speech is not honest, straightforward, or edifying, but rather designed to mislead, manipulate, harm, or sow discord.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:12 skillfully employs several literary devices to powerfully convey its message regarding the nature of wickedness. Synonymous Parallelism is prominently featured in the opening phrase, "A naughty person, a wicked man," where the second phrase reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, thereby emphasizing the profound depth of the individual's inherent depravity. The verse also utilizes Metonymy, where "mouth" (a physical part) stands in for "speech" or "words" (the action or product), highlighting that the outward expression of a person's corrupt character is primarily manifested through their communication. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise yet vivid Characterization, providing a sharp and unflinching portrait of a morally corrupt individual whose internal wickedness is consistently and habitually expressed through their perverse and deceitful language. This direct and unvarnished portrayal serves both as a solemn warning to the reader and a clear call to spiritual and social discernment.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 6:12 offers profound insight into the biblical understanding of the human heart as the wellspring from which all actions, especially speech, flow. It underscores the theological truth that outward expressions, particularly the words we utter, are not superficial but serve as direct and potent indicators of one's inner spiritual and moral state. A "froward mouth" is depicted as a direct symptom of a "naughty" and "wicked" heart, revealing a fundamental perversion of character that stands in direct opposition to God's truth, righteousness, and the principles of wisdom. This verse powerfully highlights the destructive potential of unbridled, malicious, and deceitful speech, a pervasive theme consistently addressed throughout the entirety of Scripture. It emphasizes that words carry immense power—the power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse, to bring life or death. Consequently, this passage calls believers to a profound level of integrity, where their inner disposition of righteousness is seamlessly aligned with their outward verbal expression, thereby reflecting the very character of a God who is truth and light itself.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 6:12 serves as both a critical mirror for self-examination and a vital warning for all who earnestly seek to live wisely and righteously. It compels us to deeply examine the nature of our own words: Do they consistently reflect integrity, truth, grace, and a desire for edification, or are they at times twisted, deceitful, or designed to harm or manipulate? The verse powerfully reminds us that genuine spiritual health and moral uprightness originate in the heart, and our speech is an undeniable and powerful indicator of what truly resides within. Therefore, cultivating a pure and righteous heart through sincere repentance, consistent reliance on God's transforming Spirit, and diligent study of His Word is paramount, as it will naturally lead to words that are edifying, truthful, and life-giving. Furthermore, this passage calls for keen discernment in our relationships and associations. We are soberly cautioned to be wary of those whose consistent pattern of speech is "froward," recognizing that such words inevitably betray a deeper moral corruption and a heart opposed to truth. Associating closely with individuals whose communication is habitually perverse can lead to negative consequences, compromise our own integrity, and draw us away from the path of wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "naughty person" mean in this context?
In Proverbs 6:12, the phrase "naughty person" translates the Hebrew term bᵉlîyaʻal (H1100), which carries a profound meaning of "worthlessness," "destruction," or "without profit." It describes an individual who is fundamentally depraved, morally corrupt, and inherently destructive in their character and actions. This term is often associated with rebellion against God and all that is good, indicating a person utterly devoid of moral value or beneficial intent. It represents a strong condemnation of one's core character, not merely a description of minor misbehavior or an occasional lapse.
How does this verse relate to the broader wisdom literature?
Proverbs 6:12 is a foundational verse within the wisdom literature because it succinctly encapsulates a core and recurring theme: the intrinsic and undeniable link between one's inner character and their outward expression, particularly through the powerful medium of speech. The entire book of Proverbs consistently contrasts the path of wisdom, which leads to life, blessing, and righteous conduct, with the path of folly and wickedness, which inevitably leads to destruction and ruin. This verse highlights that the "froward mouth" is a defining and dangerous characteristic of the wicked, reinforcing the profound idea that true wisdom involves not only knowing what is right but also consistently speaking what is true, good, and edifying. It serves as a practical guide for discerning character and understanding the profound impact and spiritual weight of words, a recurring motif throughout the wisdom tradition (e.g., Proverbs 15:4 and Proverbs 16:23).
Is "walketh with a froward mouth" only about lying?
While outright lying is certainly a significant component of "froward" speech, the phrase "walketh with a froward mouth" encompasses a much broader and more comprehensive range of perverse communication. The Hebrew word ʻiqqᵉshûwth (H6143), translated "froward," literally means "twisted," "crooked," or "perverse." Therefore, a "froward mouth" refers to any speech that is intentionally distorted, deceitful, malicious, misleading, manipulative, or designed to subvert truth, sow discord, or cause harm. This could include, but is not limited to, slander, gossip, flattery with ill intent, breaking promises, spreading rumors, speaking words that are contrary to righteousness and justice, or even using truth in a deceptive manner. It describes a consistent and ingrained pattern of communication that is fundamentally distorted and harmful, reflecting a corrupt heart.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 6:12, in its stark and chilling portrayal of a "naughty person" whose inherent wickedness manifests through a "froward mouth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person of Jesus Christ. While the verse describes one whose words are inherently twisted, destructive, and rooted in depravity, Jesus is revealed as the very embodiment of truth, integrity, and divine purity. He is the eternal Word made flesh, whose every utterance was perfectly pure, unequivocally truthful, and profoundly life-giving. Unlike the "wicked man" whose speech flows from a corrupt and deceitful heart, Jesus perfectly exemplified the principle He Himself declared: that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). His heart was perfectly aligned with the righteous will of God the Father, and thus His words were always true, authoritative, and redemptive. He consistently exposed the "frowardness" and insidious hypocrisy of those whose words did not match their hearts, particularly the religious leaders of His day, whom He condemned for their outward show of piety masking inner corruption (Matthew 23). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ offers radical transformation, cleansing the human heart from its inherent wickedness and depravity. This divine work enables believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to speak words of truth, grace, and life, thereby reflecting His own perfect character and fulfilling the divine intention for human speech (Ephesians 4:29). He is the ultimate antidote to the "froward mouth," offering a new nature that produces righteous speech and a life lived in integrity and truth before God.