Proverbs 6:12-14
A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew term for "worthless person" here literally means "a man of Belial," which signifies someone utterly useless and unwilling to submit to any yoke or restraint. This isn't just about being lazy; it describes a deep-seated depravity that actively seeks out wickedness and expresses itself through a habit of crooked speech.
This passage dives into a detailed character sketch of the "worthless person" or "man of Belial," revealing the outward signs of his inner corruption. Following the earlier warnings against laziness and the pitfalls of bad company, Solomon now dissects the deceptive speech and gestures of someone who actively plots wickedness, setting the stage for the list of things God detests that immediately follows.
The Bible calls this person a 'man of Belial.' What does that really mean, and why is it so serious?
The Hebrew term translated as 'worthless' or 'naughty' is 'Belial.' It literally means 'without profit' or 'without value.' This isn't just about being lazy; it points to someone who is fundamentally corrupt and of no good use to God or others.
Think of it like a tool that's not just broken, but designed to cause harm. A 'man of Belial' actively works wickedness and has thrown off any sense of divine law or responsibility. This character isn't accidental; it's a chosen path of depravity, often leading to a life of deception and harm.
This 'worthless person' doesn't just think bad thoughts; they 'walk with a froward mouth.' What does that look like?
The verse zeroes in on 'crooked speech' – a 'froward mouth.' This means speaking perversely, twisting words, lying, slandering, or using deceitful language. It's more than just careless talk; it's a deliberate habit of using speech to manipulate, harm, or mislead.
This isn't just about the words themselves, but the intent behind them. The 'man of Belial' uses his tongue as a tool to further his wicked designs, sowing discord and furthering his own corrupt agenda. His speech is a clear indicator of the crookedness within his heart.
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.
tahpukoth · Hebrew Noun
An internal state of rebellion or moral corruption. It represents the seat of the mind and will when it is intentionally turned away from righteousness toward sin.
This Psalm directly echoes the idea of 'crooked speech' by describing those who use their tongue for deceit and wickedness, aligning with the 'worthless person' in Proverbs.
Matthew 12:34Jesus connects the abundance of the heart to what the mouth speaks, highlighting how a 'froward mouth' reveals a corrupt inner disposition, much like the 'worthless person' described in Proverbs.
James 3:6James vividly illustrates the destructive power of the tongue, equating it to a wildfire that corrupts the whole person, which parallels the 'worthless person' who goes about with 'crooked speech' and causes harm.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10This passage speaks of those who are given over to deception and lies, a spiritual counterpart to the earthly 'worthless man' who operates with 'crooked speech' and leads others astray.
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…
The Hebrew term for "worthless person" here literally means "a man of Belial," which signifies someone utterly useless and unwilling to submit to any yoke or restraint. This isn't just about being lazy; it describes a deep-seated depravity that actively seeks out wickedness and expresses itself through a habit of crooked speech.
This passage dives into a detailed character sketch of the "worthless person" or "man of Belial," revealing the outward signs of his inner corruption. Following the earlier warnings against laziness and the pitfalls of bad company, Solomon now dissects the deceptive speech and gestures of someone who actively plots wickedness, setting the stage for the list of things God detests that immediately follows.
This passage dives into a detailed character sketch of the "worthless person" or "man of Belial," revealing the outward signs of his inner corruption. Following the earlier warnings against laziness and the pitfalls of bad company, Solomon now dissects the deceptive speech and gestures of someone who actively plots wickedness, setting the stage for the list of things God detests that immediately follows.
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ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Anything that is morally corrupt, harmful, or contrary to the will of God. It encompasses both sinful actions and the destructive impact of wickedness on others.
madon · Hebrew Noun
The act of creating strife, conflict, or division among people. It is strictly condemned in Scripture as an action that destroys relationships and community unity.
"A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord;" — The Hebrew term for "worthless person" here literally means "a man of Belial," which signifies someone utterly useless and unwilling to submit to any yoke or restraint. This isn't just about being la…
