Proverbs 6:12-15
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This isn't just about someone who speaks rudely; "walking with a froward mouth" implies this crooked speech is a habitual, everyday practice, like a daily walk. The phrase "man of Belial" also emphasizes that this isn't a minor flaw, but a deep-seated worthlessness, a refusal to be governed by goodness or truth.
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; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage introduces a description of a "worthless person," also called a "man of Belial," which means someone entirely without good or profit. This character is then further defined by his actions and speech, setting the stage for a list of behaviors and qualities that are detestable to God. The verses that follow will detail specific actions and intentions of this wicked individual, culminating in the pronouncement of his inevitable and sudden destruction.
The Bible doesn't just condemn idle words; it exposes a deeper character flaw. What makes 'crooked speech' so dangerous?
The verse paints a vivid picture of someone whose words are twisted and deceitful. This isn't just occasional bad speaking; it's a lifestyle.
A Habit of Dishonesty
'Walketh with a froward mouth' suggests a habitual practice. This person doesn't just slip up; they consistently use their speech for dishonest purposes. This could involve lying, slandering, or using flattery to manipulate others.
The Root of the Problem
This crooked speech isn't just about outward behavior. The commentaries point out that it stems from a deeper corruption – a 'frowardness in his heart.' Their words are a reflection of their inner disposition, revealing a rebellious and ungodly mindset.
The Hebrew term for 'worthless person' is powerful. It's not just about being a 'bad guy,' but about a fundamental lack of value and purpose.
The phrase 'worthless person' translates a Hebrew term that literally means 'man of Belial.' This isn't a neutral description; it carries significant weight.
'No Profit' for Good
'Belial' signifies worthlessness, uselessness, and often a rejection of authority or law. A 'man of Belial' is someone who is good for nothing, contributing no good to society or to God's kingdom. They are, in essence, rebellious and unprofitable.
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A Rejection of God's Yoke
This term also implies a refusal to be under any restraint, particularly God's law. It describes someone who has thrown off all moral obligation and acts wickedly. Their actions and speech are a direct consequence of this fundamental rejection of God's order.
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.
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.
ed · Hebrew Noun
Sudden, severe distress, ruin, or catastrophe. It often represents the divine judgment or natural consequences that befall those who persist in wickedness.
This passage describes the 'wicked' whose path is not blessed by God, paralleling Proverbs' focus on the detrimental path of the worthless person.
Proverbs 10:32It highlights that the lips of the righteous know what is fitting, directly contrasting with the 'crooked speech' of the wicked person in Proverbs 6:12.
Matthew 12:37Jesus states we will be justified or condemned by our words, underscoring the serious spiritual weight of the 'froward mouth' described here.
James 3:5-6This passage vividly illustrates the destructive power of the tongue, directly relating to how a 'worthless person' uses their speech to cause harm.
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 isn't just about someone who speaks rudely; "walking with a froward mouth" implies this crooked speech is a habitual, everyday practice, like a daily walk. The phrase "man of Belial" also emphasizes that this isn't a minor flaw, but a deep-seated worthlessness, a refusal to be governed by goodness or truth.
This passage introduces a description of a "worthless person," also called a "man of Belial," which means someone entirely without good or profit. This character is then further defined by his actions and speech, setting the stage for a list of behaviors and qualities that are detestable to God. The verses that follow will detail specific actions and intentions of this wicked individual, culminating in the pronouncement of his inevitable and sudden destruction.
This passage introduces a description of a "worthless person," also called a "man of Belial," which means someone entirely without good or profit. This character is then further defined by his actions and speech, setting the stage for a list of behaviors and qualities that are detestable to God. The verses that follow will detail specific actions and intentions of this wicked individual, culminating in the pronouncement of his inevitable and sudden destruction.
"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; therefore calamity…" — This isn't just about someone who speaks rudely; "walking with a froward mouth" implies this crooked speech is a habitual, everyday practice, like a daily walk. The phrase "man of Belial" also emphas…
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Last reviewed October 2026
