Proverbs 6:13

KJV

He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

KJV (with Strong's)

He winketh {H7169} with his eyes {H5869}, he speaketh {H4448} with his feet {H7272}, he teacheth {H3384} with his fingers {H676};

Complete Jewish Bible

winking his eyes, shuffling his feet, pointing with his fingers.

Berean Standard Bible

winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.

American Standard Version

That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet, That maketh signs with his fingers;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:13 offers a chilling depiction of the "worthless person" (or "scoundrel" as introduced in the preceding verse), illustrating how their inherent perversity manifests through subtle, non-verbal cues. This verse serves as a profound warning, revealing that malicious intent and deceit are not confined to spoken words but can permeate one's entire being, expressed through conspiratorial winks, secretive foot movements, and surreptitious finger gestures, all designed to plot mischief, sow discord, and convey wicked intentions without uttering a sound.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:13 is an integral part of a vivid character sketch warning against the "worthless person" (Hebrew: *belial*) that begins in [Proverbs 6:12](/proverbs/6-12 "Proverbs 6:12 - The Character of the Worthless Person"). The preceding verse establishes this individual as one who "walks with a perverse mouth," setting the stage for verse 13 to elaborate on the insidious *methods* by which this perversity is communicated – specifically through non-verbal means. The subsequent verses, [Proverbs 6:14-15](/proverbs/6-14-15 "Proverbs 6:14-15 - The Consequences of Wickedness"), then detail the inevitable and sudden destruction that awaits such a person, emphasizing divine judgment. This section of Proverbs 6 thus forms a cohesive unit, painting a comprehensive portrait of a malevolent individual, their deceptive practices, and the certain downfall that follows, serving as a potent cautionary tale within the broader wisdom teachings of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, as in many cultures, non-verbal communication held significant weight and was often understood as profoundly revealing of a person's true character and intentions. Gestures, facial expressions, and body movements could convey messages with greater subtlety or discretion than spoken words, particularly when secrecy or conspiracy was involved. Proverbs, as a collection of practical wisdom, consistently draws upon observable human behavior to instruct its audience on discerning character and navigating social dynamics. The "worthless person" described here is not a mere abstract concept but represents a recognizable archetype of an individual who undermines community trust and harmony through covert and manipulative means. The emphasis on hidden gestures suggests a social context where open confrontation might be avoided, making the ability to "read" subtle cues crucial for protection against insidious threats.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **discernment**, urging the wise to "read" beyond superficial appearances and spoken words to grasp the true character and intentions of others, even when those intentions are hidden. This aligns with the call to acquire wisdom and understanding found in passages like [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is Supreme"). Secondly, it highlights the **totality of human character**, demonstrating that wickedness is not merely expressed through verbal deceit but permeates one's entire being, manifesting even in subtle physical expressions. This reinforces the broader Proverbial teaching that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart, as articulated in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the destructive nature of **deceit and malice**, portraying how even seemingly innocuous gestures can become instruments of harm, sowing discord and leading others astray, a theme powerfully echoed in warnings against those who "sow strife" (e.g., [Proverbs 6:19](/proverbs/6-19 "Proverbs 6:19 - Things the Lord Hates")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **winketh (Hebrew, _qârats'_):** From H7169, a primitive root meaning "to pinch," specifically to bite the lips or blink the eyes as a gesture of malice. In this context, it conveys a deliberate, often conspiratorial, blink or wink, implying a secret signal of ill intent, mockery, or shared understanding in a scheme. It is far from an innocent blink, but rather a calculated, often surreptitious, communication.
* **speaketh (Hebrew, _mâlal'_):** From H4448, a primitive root meaning "to speak" or "to say," often used poetically. Here, it is notably juxtaposed with the absence of verbal speech, emphasizing that the feet convey a message *as if* they were articulating words. This "speaking" is non-verbal, signaling direction, agreement, or a subtle cue to an accomplice, highlighting the secretive and indirect nature of the communication.
* **teacheth (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** From H3384, a primitive root meaning "to flow as water," "to shoot" (an arrow), or "to point out." Figuratively, it means "to teach" or "to instruct" by pointing or directing. In this verse, the fingers are used to give silent, often surreptitious, instructions or signals, guiding others towards a specific, likely nefarious, action or understanding, underscoring the precise and intentional nature of the wicked person's covert communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He winketh with his eyes":** This clause describes a deliberate, often conspiratorial, blinking or winking of the eyes. It is a subtle, non-verbal cue designed to convey a message of shared malice, mockery, or secret agreement without the need for spoken words. This gesture suggests a hidden understanding or a signal to an accomplice, indicating a shared, often nefarious, intent.
* **"he speaketh with his feet":** This phrase vividly illustrates how even the movement of one's feet can communicate intent. This could involve subtle shuffles, turns, or nudges that convey a message. It might indicate direction, approval, disapproval, or a signal to move or act in a particular way, all without audible speech, further emphasizing the secretive and deceptive nature of the wicked person's communication.
* **"he teacheth with his fingers;":** This final clause depicts the precise and intentional use of fingers for silent instruction or signaling. This could range from pointing, counting, or making specific gestures that convey complex messages or commands. It highlights the wicked person's ability to "teach" or direct others in their schemes covertly, demonstrating the pervasive and calculated nature of their non-verbal deceit.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:13 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to paint a vivid and unsettling picture of the "worthless person." The most prominent are **personification** and **synecdoche**, where inanimate body parts (eyes, feet, fingers) are given the agency of speech and instruction. The eyes "wink," the feet "speak," and the fingers "teach," powerfully demonstrating that deceit is not merely a verbal act but permeates the entire physical expression of the wicked individual. This creates a compelling **metaphor** for insidious communication, where malice and conspiracy are conveyed through subtle, often imperceptible, gestures rather than overt declarations. The use of a **triad** (three distinct actions: winking, speaking with feet, teaching with fingers) adds to the rhetorical force, emphasizing the comprehensive and pervasive nature of this individual's deceptive behavior. The imagery is highly **sensory**, inviting the reader to visualize these furtive movements, thus making the warning more immediate, impactful, and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:13 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that the heart's true condition is revealed through one's actions, even the most subtle and non-verbal. It teaches that wickedness is not confined to overt acts or spoken words but can manifest in every aspect of a person's being, including their hidden communication. This verse serves as a divine warning against those whose internal corruption leads to external deceit, emphasizing the critical importance of spiritual discernment to recognize and guard against such individuals. It underscores the pervasive nature of sin, which can turn even natural bodily expressions into instruments of malice and discord, reinforcing the profound biblical truth that a transformed heart is essential for producing righteous actions and fostering genuine community.

* [Proverbs 10:10](/proverbs/10-10 "Proverbs 10:10 - The Deceitful and the Upright")
* [Proverbs 16:28](/proverbs/16-28 "Proverbs 16:28 - A Perverse Person Sows Strife")
* [Psalm 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Prayer Against Deceitful Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:13 offers a timeless and profound insight into human nature and the insidious ways that malice can operate. In an age saturated with various forms of communication, this verse reminds us that true discernment extends beyond merely listening to words; it involves observing the totality of a person's behavior, including their subtle, non-verbal cues. It challenges us to be vigilant and wise in recognizing those who operate with hidden agendas, sowing discord and manipulating others through gestures that might escape the casual observer. For the believer, this passage also serves as a crucial mirror, prompting earnest self-examination: Do our own non-verbal actions align with the integrity, transparency, and love called for by the Gospel? Are we inadvertently communicating something contrary to our professed faith or the character of Christ? Ultimately, this passage calls us to cultivate a heart so transformed by God's Spirit that every aspect of our being—our words, our actions, and even our most subtle gestures—reflects truth, righteousness, and a genuine desire to build up, rather than tear down, fostering unity and peace in our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize subtle, non-verbal cues in others, particularly those that might indicate malicious intent or deceit?**
* **In what ways might my own non-verbal communication inadvertently convey messages that are not aligned with my Christian witness or the integrity God desires?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my entire being—my words, my actions, and even my unconscious gestures—reflect integrity, transparency, and a heart devoted to God?**

### FAQ
**What does "winketh with his eyes" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Proverbs 6:13, "winketh with his eyes" (Hebrew: *qârats*) refers to a deliberate, often malicious, blink or wink. It is not an innocent gesture but a secret signal used to convey a conspiratorial message, mockery, or a shared understanding of ill intent. This implies a covert form of communication, often associated with plotting mischief or deceiving others, highlighting the insidious nature of the "worthless person's" actions, as also seen in [Proverbs 10:10](/proverbs/10-10 "Proverbs 10:10 - The Winking Eye").

**How can feet and fingers "speak" or "teach"?**

Answer: This is a powerful use of **personification**, where human actions are attributed to inanimate body parts to emphasize the comprehensive extent of the wicked person's deceit. "Speaking with his feet" could refer to subtle movements, shuffles, or nudges that convey a message or direction without words, perhaps signaling an accomplice or indicating a course of action. "Teaching with his fingers" implies using specific hand gestures or signals to give instructions, guide others, or indicate agreement in a secretive manner. These phrases highlight how the "worthless person" uses their entire body to communicate their devious plans and intentions, often in ways that are not overtly audible or obvious to everyone present, making their malice all the more insidious.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:13, in its vivid portrayal of the "worthless person" whose entire being is given over to deceitful and malicious non-verbal communication, stands in stark and profound contrast to the perfect integrity, transparency, and truth embodied by Jesus Christ. While the wicked man uses subtle gestures to sow discord and plot evil, Christ's every action, every word, and indeed His very presence, were imbued with divine truth, grace, and redemptive purpose. The "worthless person" is a master of hidden malice, operating in shadows, but Jesus declared Himself to be the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), revealing all things and exposing darkness (cf. [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")). Where the Proverbial scoundrel's gestures lead to destruction and judgment (as prophesied in [Proverbs 6:15](/proverbs/6-15 "Proverbs 6:15 - Sudden Destruction")), Christ's gestures, such as His outstretched hand to heal the sick (e.g., [Matthew 8:3](/matthew/8-3 "Matthew 8:3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), His pointing to the heavens in prayer (e.g., [John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer")), or His breaking of bread with His disciples (e.g., [Luke 24:30](/luke/24-30 "Luke 24:30 - Jesus Breaks Bread at Emmaus")), always conveyed compassion, divine authority, and the promise of salvation. Ultimately, the judgment that falls upon the "worthless person" in Proverbs foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against all sin and deceit, a judgment that Christ perfectly bore on the cross, offering redemption and transformation to all who turn from their own deceptive ways and embrace His truth (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). In Christ, we find the perfect antidote to the perversity described in Proverbs, as He transforms hearts to communicate and live with integrity, reflecting His own flawless character and inviting us into a life of transparent righteousness.

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

Psalms 35:19

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

Job 15:12

Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,

Proverbs 10:10

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

Proverbs 5:6

Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them].