Proverbs 6:12-13
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This verse calls the individual a "man of Belial," which literally means "worthless" or "without profit." This isn't just about being lazy; it points to someone actively contributing nothing good, whose very character is defined by a profound lack of value, both to God and to others. His "walking with a froward mouth" signifies this corruption is not just a casual habit but a consistent, ingrained way of life.
A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage introduces the character of the "worthless person," described as someone whose life is characterized by deceitful speech and actions. This description flows directly from warnings against laziness and the consequences of pledging to a neighbor, highlighting how destructive choices lead to a dangerous, conniving individual. The verse sets the stage for a detailed portrait of this wicked person's behaviors and ultimately, their inevitable downfall.
When the Bible calls someone 'worthless' or 'wicked,' what does it really mean? It's more than just a label; it's a description of a way of life, especially seen in their speech.
The verse starts by identifying the individual with strong terms: 'worthless person' (literally, a 'man of Belial') and 'wicked man.' These aren't casual insults. A 'man of Belial' is someone who is unprofitable, good for nothing, and has thrown off any sense of restraint or law. They are depraved and actively choose wickedness. This isn't just occasional sin; it's a character defined by a bent toward evil.
This deep-seated nature is revealed through their speech. 'Crooked speech' isn't just about using offensive language. It describes speech that is perverse, contrary to truth, deceitful, or manipulative. It's language used to deceive, to slander, to sow discord, or to cover up wicked intentions. This habitual way of speaking is a direct outward expression of their inner corruption.
The Bible uses everyday actions to describe spiritual realities. What does it mean that this wicked person 'walks' with crooked speech?
The word translated 'goes about' or 'walketh' implies more than just a single instance of speaking crookedly. It suggests a habit, a pattern of life. Just as someone walks as a regular mode of transportation, this 'worthless person' habitually engages in corrupt speech.
This isn't a one-time slip-up; it's a lifestyle. They are accustomed to using their words for deceit, manipulation, or malice. This constant use of crooked speech reveals a deep commitment to a path of iniquity, making it their defining characteristic and mode of operation.
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Understand the original words
beliya'al · Hebrew Noun
A term describing someone morally depraved, useless, or base. It refers to a person characterized by a lack of integrity and a disregard for God's law.
aven · Hebrew Noun
A person who is morally corrupt, ungodly, or lawless. In Scripture, this describes someone who willfully acts in rebellion against God's standards.
tahpukoth · Hebrew Noun
Speech that is deceptive, distorted, or dishonest. It refers to communication that deviates from truth and integrity, intended to mislead or manipulate others.
This Psalm speaks of people speaking with 'double heart' and 'flattering lips,' which echoes the 'crooked speech' of the worthless person, highlighting the deceit involved.
Proverbs 10:32This verse contrasts the 'lips of the righteous' with the 'mouth of the wicked,' emphasizing that the worthless person's words bring destruction, much like the 'crooked speech' described in Proverbs 6.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus warns that people will be judged for every careless word they speak, directly linking the 'crooked speech' of Proverbs 6 to accountability for our words before God.
Ephesians 4:29This passage instructs believers not to let unwholesome talk come out of their mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, directly opposing the destructive 'crooked speech' of the worthless person.
bensonProverbs 6:12: "A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth."
Proverbs 6:12-15 . A naughty person — Hebrew, a man of Belial, a wicked man, whose continual practice it is, in one way or other, to work wickedness; walketh with a froward mouth — Makes it his business, by lies; or flatteries, or slanders, or perjuries, to maintain himself in his idle courses. And if the slothful are to be condemned that do nothing, much more those that act wickedly, and contrive to do all the ill t…
clarkeProverbs 6:12: "A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth."
A naughty person - אדם בליעל adam beliyal, "Adam good for nothing." When he lost his innocence. A man apostata; Old MS. Bible. A wicked man - איש און ish aven. He soon became a general transgressor after having departed from his God. All his posterity, unless restored by Divine grace, are men of Belial, and sinners by trade; and most of them, in one form or other, answer the character here given. They yield their m…
This verse calls the individual a "man of Belial," which literally means "worthless" or "without profit." This isn't just about being lazy; it points to someone actively contributing nothing good, whose very character is defined by a profound lack of value, both to God and to others. His "walking with a froward mouth" signifies this corruption is not just a casual habit but a consistent, ingrained way of life.
This passage introduces the character of the "worthless person," described as someone whose life is characterized by deceitful speech and actions. This description flows directly from warnings against laziness and the consequences of pledging to a neighbor, highlighting how destructive choices lead to a dangerous, conniving individual. The verse sets the stage for a detailed portrait of this wicked person's behaviors and ultimately, their inevitable downfall.
This passage introduces the character of the "worthless person," described as someone whose life is characterized by deceitful speech and actions. This description flows directly from warnings against laziness and the consequences of pledging to a neighbor, highlighting how destructive choices lead to a dangerous, conniving individual. The verse sets the stage for a detailed portrait of this wicked person's behaviors and ultimately, their inevitable downfall.
"A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger," — This verse calls the individual a "man of Belial," which literally means "worthless" or "without profit." This isn't just about being lazy; it points to someone actively contributing nothing good, wh…
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Last reviewed October 2026
