Proverbs 10:31
Proverbs 10:31 in Multiple Translations
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom; But the perverse tongue shall be cut off.
The mouth of the upright man is budding with wisdom, but the twisted tongue will be cut off.
What good people say produces wisdom, but liars will have their tongues cut out.
The mouth of the iust shall be fruitfull in wisdome: but the tongue of the froward shall be cut out.
The mouth of the righteous uttereth wisdom, And the tongue of frowardness is cut out.
The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: the tongue of the perverse shall perish.
Righteous people [MTY] say things that are wise, but God will shut the mouths of people [MTY] who say what is not true.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:31
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 10:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פִּֽי
צַ֭דִּיק
יָנ֣וּב
חָכְמָ֑ה
וּ/לְשׁ֥וֹן
תַּ֝הְפֻּכ֗וֹת
תִּכָּרֵֽת
פִּֽי
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יָנ֣וּב
nûwb
H5107
to bear fruit
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וּ/לְשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Conj | N-cs
תַּ֝הְפֻּכ֗וֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
perversity
N-fp
תִּכָּרֵֽת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:31
פִּֽי
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.
צַ֭דִּיק
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.
יָנ֣וּב
nûwb
H5107
"to bear fruit"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To bear fruit means to produce or flourish, as seen in Psalm 1, where the righteous are like trees that bear fruit. This word is used to describe spiritual growth and prosperity. It represents the positive results of following God's ways.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit 1b) (Pilel) to make to flourish (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bring forth (fruit), make cheerful, increase. See also: Psalms 62:11; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 92:15.
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וּ/לְשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Conj | N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
תַּ֝הְפֻּכ֗וֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
"perversity"
N-fp
This word means being stubborn or disobedient, often in a harmful way. It describes actions that go against God's will, like in Deuteronomy where it warns against turning away from God. In Proverbs, it talks about the dangers of a perverse heart.
Definition: perversity, perverse thing
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 2:12.
תִּכָּרֵֽת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:31
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:31
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
29The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
30The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.
31The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:30 | The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:13 | Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Psalms 31:18 | May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt. |
| 5 | Psalms 63:11 | But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:11 | The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 7 | Psalms 120:3–4 | What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree! |
Proverbs 10:31 Summary
Proverbs 10:31 teaches us that the words we speak have power, and as followers of God, we should strive to use our words to bring wisdom and blessing to others. This means being mindful of the things we say and how we say them, choosing to speak truth and kindness, even in difficult situations (as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 4:6). By doing so, we can reflect the heart of God and bring hope and encouragement to those around us. As we seek to honor God with our speech, we can trust that He will guide us and give us the wisdom we need to speak words that are pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a perverse tongue to be cut out?
In Proverbs 10:31, this phrase is not necessarily referring to physical punishment, but rather to the idea that wicked speech will ultimately be silenced or have no lasting impact, as seen in Psalm 37:38 and Proverbs 12:19.
How can I ensure my mouth brings forth wisdom?
According to Proverbs 10:31, the mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, so it's essential to cultivate righteousness in our lives, as taught in Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 15:18-19.
Is this verse saying that only righteous people can be wise?
While the verse highlights the connection between righteousness and wisdom, it's not saying that only righteous people can be wise; however, it does emphasize that true wisdom comes from a heart that fears and obeys God, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Job 28:28.
How does this verse relate to my everyday conversations?
Proverbs 10:31 encourages us to be mindful of the words we speak, recognizing that our speech can either bring wisdom and blessing or harm and destruction, as warned in James 3:9-10 and Ephesians 4:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can use my words to bring wisdom and encouragement to those around me?
- How can I balance honesty with kindness in my speech, especially when dealing with difficult conversations?
- In what ways have I seen the impact of both wise and perverse speech in my own life or in the lives of others?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate righteousness and wisdom in my own heart and speech?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:31
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom,.... As the earth brings forth its increase, and a tree brings forth its fruit; hence speech is called the fruit of the lips; wisdom is good fruit; a good
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:31
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The mouth of the just bringeth forth, [as fruit produced from a good tree, yaanuwb (H5107); Psalms 92:14; Matthew 7:17] wisdom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
Bringeth forth, freely, and abundantly, and constantly, as the earth or a tree bring forth their proper fruit, as the word properly signifies. Wisdom; wise counsels, by which he directeth and secureth himself and others. Shall be cut out, because it bringeth forth not wisdom, but folly and wickedness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.Ver. 31. The mouth of the just, &c.] Heb., Buddeth forth, as a fruit tree, to which the tongue is fitly and finely here resembled. Hence speech is called the "fruit of the lips." But the froward tongue shall be cut out.] As a fruitless tree is cut down to the fire. Nestorius the heretic his tongue was eaten off with worms. Archbishop Arundel’ s tongue rotted in his head. From Miriam’ s example, the Jewish doctors gather that leprosy is a punishment for an evil tongue, and in special for speaking against rulers. The Lady de Breuse had by her virulent and railing tongue more exasperated the fury of King John, whom she reviled as a tyrant and a murderer, than could be pacified by her strange present, of four hundred kine, and one bull, all milk white, except only the ears, which were red, sent unto the queen. Nestorii lingua vermibus exesa. Speed’ s Chron., fol. 572.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
(31) Bringeth forth wisdom.—As the fields their “increase” (Deuteronomy 32:13); hence words are termed the “fruit of the lips” (Isaiah 57:19). The froward tongue.—See above on Proverbs 2:12. Shall be cut out.—Comp. Christ’s warning (Matthew 12:36). Sins of the tongue will be severely judged, because, besides doing mischief to others, they are signs of an evil mind within (Matthew 5:34).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
Verse 31. The froward tongue shall be cut out.] This probably alludes to the punishment of cutting out the tongue for blasphemy, treasonable speeches, profane swearing, or such like. The tunge of schrewis schal perishen. - Old MS. Bible. Were the tongue of every shrew or scold to be extracted, we should soon have much less noise in the world.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:31
31. bringeth forth] as a tree its leaves or fruit: “buddeth with,” R.V. marg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:31
Bringeth forth ... - As a tree full of life and sap brings forth its fruit.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:31
31. Bringeth forth — Puts forth, blooms or bears; a figure taken from the habit of a fruitful tree. Froward tongue — A tongue of perversities.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |
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The Glorious Death of the Righteous by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging our incapability to understand the word of God and find the path on our own. He surrenders his life as a vessel to speak on beha |
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The Alphabetical Scriptures; or the Divine Acrostics by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the divine design and inspiration of Scripture, highlighting the intricate structure of the Alphabetical Scriptures, such as the Divine Acrostics, which po |
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Parents and Children by Bob Hoekstra | This sermon focuses on the biblical principles of parenting and raising children according to God's design. It emphasizes the importance of mutual servanthood in family relationshi |
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His School of Instruction by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's discipline serves as a means of instruction, akin to a rod that reveals folly and vanity in His people. He explains that God's corrections are n |
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"Book of Remembrance" by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to God, comparing our actions and words to materials like wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious ston |
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Purified by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life devoted to God, comparing the value of our actions and words to wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious stones. It cha |