Proverbs 6:13

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Proverbs 6:13

This verse is part of a larger warning in Proverbs 6:12-19 against "a naughty person, a wicked man" whose character is marked by deceit and malice. The preceding verse, Proverbs 6:12, introduces this destructive individual, and verse 13 elaborates on their methods of communication. The passage serves as a vivid illustration of how such a person operates, often in secret, to spread discord and mischief.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Deceitful Communication: The primary theme is the use of non-verbal cues for malicious purposes. The "wicked man" does not need to speak aloud to convey his ill intentions; his body language does the work.
  • Subtlety and Secrecy: "Winking with eyes," "speaking with feet," and "teaching with fingers" all point to subtle, often secretive, signals. This individual operates covertly, using gestures to conspire, mock, or convey instructions for wrongdoing without being overtly heard.
  • Malicious Intent: These gestures are not innocent. They are employed to devise mischief, sow discord, or guide others in corrupt practices. The actions described reveal a heart full of perverseness and frowardness, as stated in Proverbs 6:14.
  • Character of the Wicked: The verse paints a picture of a person whose entire being, even their subconscious movements, is aligned with their corrupt character. It's a warning to be discerning about people whose actions don't align with integrity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "winketh" (ืงึธืจึทืฅ - qaratz), "speaketh" (ืžึธืœึทืœ - malal), and "teacheth" (ื™ึธืจึธื” - yarah) describe actions that are often associated with secret plotting or delivering harmful messages without direct speech. The vivid imagery emphasizes the intentionality behind these seemingly minor physical actions. A "wink" can be a sign of conspiracy or mockery, foot movements can direct or signal, and finger gestures can give subtle instructions for deceit or harm. The description highlights how every part of the body can be used to express the evil intent of the heart.

Related Scriptures

  • Proverbs 10:10 provides a direct parallel: "He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall." This reinforces the negative consequence associated with such deceptive actions.
  • Proverbs 16:28 states, "A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends," illustrating the destructive outcome of the deceitful communication described in Proverbs 6:13.

Practical Application

In contemporary society, this verse serves as a timeless warning to be discerning about people's non-verbal cues. While not all body language is malicious, Proverbs 6:13 teaches us to be aware of individuals whose subtle actions betray a deceptive or manipulative agenda. It reminds us that deceit doesn't always come with loud words but can be communicated through secretive gestures, undermining trust and sowing discord. Being mindful of these signs can help us guard against those who intend harm or seek to involve us in their wicked schemes, encouraging us to seek transparency and integrity in our relationships and interactions.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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].
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