Proverbs 10:11
Proverbs 10:11 in Multiple Translations
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
The mouth of the upright man is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the evil-doer is a bitter cup.
What good people say is a spring that gives life, but what the wicked say hides their violent nature.
The mouth of a righteous man is a welspring of life: but iniquitie couereth the mouth of the wicked.
A fountain of life [is] the mouth of the righteous, And the mouth of the wicked cover doth violence.
The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
The mouth of the just is a vein of life: and the mouth of the wicked covereth iniquity.
What righteous people say [MTY] is like a fountain that ◄gives life/enables people to live many years► [MET], but what wicked people say [MTY] hides the fact that they intend to act violently.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְק֣וֹר
חַ֭יִּים
פִּ֣י
צַדִּ֑יק
וּ/פִ֥י
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
יְכַסֶּ֥ה
חָמָֽס
מְק֣וֹר
mâqôwr
H4726
fountain
N-ms
חַ֭יִּים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
פִּ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יְכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:11
מְק֣וֹר
mâqôwr
H4726
"fountain"
N-ms
Maqor means a fountain or a source of water, like a spring or a well. It can also refer to the source of happiness, wisdom, or life. This term is used to describe a source of something valuable or life-giving.
Definition: 1) spring, fountain 1a) spring 1a1) of source of life, joy, purification (fig.) 1b) of the eye (fig.) 1c) source (of menstruous blood) 1d) flow (of blood after child birth)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring). See also: Leviticus 12:7; Proverbs 16:22; Psalms 36:10.
חַ֭יִּים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
פִּ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
יְכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:11
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
9He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
10He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.
11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. 13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:14 | The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death. |
| 2 | Ephesians 4:29 | Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:6 | Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 4 | Proverbs 10:20–21 | The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:4 | The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. |
| 6 | Matthew 12:34–37 | You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:22–24 | Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. |
| 8 | Proverbs 10:32 | The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. |
| 9 | James 3:5–8 | In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. |
| 10 | Psalms 37:30–31 | The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter. |
Proverbs 10:11 Summary
The verse Proverbs 10:11 teaches us that the words we speak have the power to bring life or harm to others. When we speak words that are kind, encouraging, and truthful, we bring life to those around us, as seen in Ephesians 4:29. On the other hand, when we speak words that are hurtful, deceitful, or manipulative, we can cause harm and violence, as warned in Proverbs 10:11. By being mindful of the impact of our words and seeking to speak words that are life-giving, we can bring hope and encouragement to those around us, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the mouth of the righteous to be a fountain of life?
This means that the words of a righteous person bring life, encouragement, and hope to those who hear them, as seen in Proverbs 10:11, and is in line with the teachings of the Bible, such as Ephesians 4:29, which instructs us to speak words that build others up.
How can the mouth of the wicked conceal violence?
The mouth of the wicked can conceal violence by speaking words that are deceitful, manipulative, or hurtful, as warned in Proverbs 10:11, and as seen in the example of the deceitful words of the serpent in Genesis 3:1-5.
Is it possible for a righteous person to speak words that are not life-giving?
Yes, even righteous people can speak words that are not life-giving, as seen in the example of Moses in Numbers 20:10-12, but the general characteristic of a righteous person is to speak words that bring life and encouragement, as seen in Proverbs 10:11.
How can we ensure that our words are a fountain of life?
We can ensure that our words are a fountain of life by speaking the truth in love, as instructed in Ephesians 4:15, and by being mindful of the impact of our words on others, as warned in Proverbs 18:21, and by seeking to edify and encourage others with our words, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can use my words to bring life and encouragement to those around me?
- How can I be more mindful of the impact of my words on others, and seek to speak words that are life-giving?
- What are some examples of words that are not life-giving, and how can I avoid speaking them?
- How can I balance speaking the truth with speaking words that are loving and encouraging, as seen in Ephesians 4:15?
- What role does self-reflection and self-examination play in ensuring that my words are a fountain of life, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of a righteous [man is] a well of life,.... Like a fountain of living water, continually running and flowing with water, wholesome, reviving, and refreshing; so the righteous man's mouth,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life. He speaks words which issue in life (in the highest sense) to himself and to others.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
A well of life; continually sending forth waters of life, or such good and wholesome words as are very refreshing and useful, both to themselves and others, for the preserving of their natural life, and for the promoting of their spiritual and eternal life. We have the same phrase . Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked; the same words were used before, , where see the notes; and they may be understood in the same sense here, and the opposition of this clause to the former may be conceived thus: As the mouth of a good man speaketh those things which are good and beneficial to himself and others, so the mouth of the wicked uttereth violence, or injury, or things injurious to others. which at last fall upon himself. But it is no new thing for the same words and phrases to be taken in different senses in the same chapter, and sometimes in the same verse, as , and elsewhere; and therefore these words may here be, and are by many, translated and interpreted thus, the mouth of the wicked covereth (i.e. concealeth) violence or mischief, which he plotteth against others. And so here is a double opposition between the righteous and the wicked; first in the contrary effects, the former causeth life, the latter mischief and death; and secondly in the manner of producing them, the righteous doth it by uttering his words, and the wicked doth it by concealing his mind.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous [man is] a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.Ver. 11. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life.] Vena vitae os iusti. A fountain runs after it hath run, so doth a good man’ s mouth incessantly utter the "words of truth and soberness," more perennis aquae. See the reason hereof: the "law of his God is in his heart," that "law of his mind," that counterpane of the written law, that "good treasure" that is daily drawn out, and yet not diminished. Salienti aquarum fonti undas si tollas, nec exhauritur, nec extenuatur, sed dulcesit. Take water from a well, it loses nothing, but becomes better and sweeter. But violence covereth.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
(11) Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.—If these words are to be taken as in Proverbs 10:6, then the first line must mean that the righteous man speaks to his own profit. But perhaps it will be better here to interpret the second line in the sense of “the mouth of the godless hideth violence,” i.e., it conceals under deceitful words the mischief intended for others. With God is the “well of life” (Psalms 36:9; Revelation 22:17); and in like manner the “mouth of the righteous” brings comfort and refreshment to the weary and heavy laden.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
Verse 11. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life] מקור חיים mekor chaiyim, is the vein of lives; an allusion to the great aorta, which conveys the blood from the heart to every part of the body. The latter clause of this verse is the same with that of Pr 10:6.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:11
11. violence covereth &c.] See Proverbs 10:6, note. The former (a) of the meanings suggested there best suits the parallelism here.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:11
Compare Proverbs 10:6. Streams of living water (like the “fountain of living waters” of Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13, and the “living water” of John 4:10), flow from the mouth of the righteous, but
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
11. A well of life — Comp, Proverbs 13:14; Proverbs 18:4. A fountain continually sending forth refreshing and wholesome speech. But violence, etc. — This is the same as the latter clause of Pro 10:6, which see.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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Words of Spirit and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound impact of Jesus' words as spirit and life, emphasizing the necessity of His death for eternal life. Despite the miracles, many sought Jesus for p |
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To Friends in the Ministry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by George Fox | The preacher delves into the significance of 'springs' (pege) in the Bible, highlighting how it symbolizes a source of living water, both physically and spiritually. Jesus used 'pe |
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Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |