Proverbs 16:30
Proverbs 16:30 in Multiple Translations
He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.
He whose eyes are shut is a man of twisted purposes, and he who keeps his lips shut tight makes evil come about.
People who give you a sly wink are plotting bad things; they purse their lips and make evil happen.
He shutteth his eyes to deuise wickednes: he moueth his lippes, and bringeth euil to passe.
Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
He that with fixed eyes deviseth wicked things, biting his lips, bringeth: evil to pass.
People sometimes show with one of their eyes to signal to their friends that they are planning to do something to harm others; they smirk when they are about to do something evil.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:30
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 16:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֹצֶ֣ה
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
לַ/חְשֹׁ֣ב
תַּהְפֻּכ֑וֹת
קֹרֵ֥ץ
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
כִּלָּ֥ה
רָעָֽה
עֹצֶ֣ה
ʻâtsâh
H6095
to shut
V-Qal
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
לַ/חְשֹׁ֣ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
תַּהְפֻּכ֑וֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
perversity
N-fp
קֹרֵ֥ץ
qârats
H7169
to wink
V-Qal
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
כִּלָּ֥ה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
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 16:30
עֹצֶ֣ה
ʻâtsâh
H6095
"to shut"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to shut or close something, like eyes. It appears in the Bible when describing physical actions. In some cases, it means to fasten or make firm.
Definition: (Qal) to shut
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: shut. See also: Proverbs 16:30.
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לַ/חְשֹׁ֣ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
תַּהְפֻּכ֑וֹת
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.
קֹרֵ֥ץ
qârats
H7169
"to wink"
V-Qal
This verb means to wink or pinch, and can also describe the action of biting one's lips or squeezing something. In the book of Proverbs, it is used to describe the gesture of a malicious person. It can also be used to describe the process of molding clay.
Definition: 1) to narrow, form, nip, pinch, squeeze, wink, purse 1a) (Qal) to pinch 1b) (Pual) to be nipped or pinched off, be formed
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: form, move, wink. See also: Job 33:6; Proverbs 6:13; Psalms 35:19.
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
כִּלָּ֥ה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:30
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
28A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
29A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
30He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. 32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:15 | For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 2 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 3 | Matthew 14:7–8 | so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” |
| 4 | John 3:20 | Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:12–14 | A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. |
| 6 | Isaiah 6:10 | Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:10 | He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:27 | A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. |
| 9 | Matthew 27:23–26 | “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, ” he said. “You bear the responsibility.” All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. |
Proverbs 16:30 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of secretly planning or plotting to do something wrong, and how our body language can sometimes give us away. When we wink our eye or purse our lips, it can be a sign that we are thinking about doing something evil. As it says in Psalm 101:5, we should not tolerate or participate in wicked behavior, but instead strive to live a life of integrity and honesty, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'wink his eye' in Proverbs 16:30?
This phrase is referring to a subtle or secretive signal, often used to convey a wicked or deceitful plan, as seen in similar contexts like Psalm 35:19, where the wicked are described as plotting against the righteous.
Is it always wrong to purse one's lips, as mentioned in this verse?
While pursing one's lips can be a natural expression, in the context of Proverbs 16:30, it signifies a deliberate and intentional decision to engage in evil, similar to the way that Proverbs 10:32 describes the lips of the righteous as knowing what is acceptable.
How can we recognize and avoid the kind of perversity described in this verse?
By being mindful of our thoughts and actions, and seeking to align them with God's word, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8, where we are instructed to think on things that are true, noble, and just.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses in Proverbs 16?
This verse is part of a larger section that warns against the dangers of wicked and destructive behavior, such as spreading dissension and violence, as seen in Proverbs 16:28-29, and encourages the pursuit of righteousness and self-control, as seen in Proverbs 16:31-32.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my own nonverbal cues, such as a wink or a pursed lip, to ensure they do not convey wicked intentions?
- How can I recognize when someone is devising perversity or bent on evil, and what should my response be in such situations?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the wisdom of this verse to my daily interactions and relationships?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart that is bent on righteousness, rather than evil, as described in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:30
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things,.... Or "perverse" or "contrary things" (r); he shuts his eyes, that his thoughts might not be disturbed and distracted by visible objects, but might be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:30
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
Shutteth his eyes, that his thoughts may be more free and intent to contrive mischief. Moving his lips; which is the gesture, either, 1. Of one whose thoughts are deeply engaged. Or, 2. Of one that speaketh or maketh signs to others to assist him in executing that wickedness which he hath contrived.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
Proverbs 16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.Ver. 30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things.] Wicked men are great students; they beat their brains and close their eyes that they may revolve and excogitate mischief with more freedom of mind. They search the devil’ s skull for new devices, and are very intentive to invent that which may do harm; their wits will better serve them to find out a hundred shifts or carnal arguments, than to yield to one saving truth, though never so much cleared up to them. Moving his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.] Mumbling and muttering to himself, and so calling the devil into counsel, he hath him at hand to bring about the business. Bartolus writes of Doctor Gabriel Nele, that by the only motion of the lips, without any utterance, he understood all men, perceived and read every man’ s mind in his countenance. If Nele could do so, how much more the devil? who, besides his natural sagacity, hath had so long experience, and both knows and furthers those evil plots and practices that he himself hath injected into wicked hearts. Lib. i. De Ver. Oblig.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
(30) He shutteth his eyes. . . .—By the movement of eyes and lips he gives the signal for mischief to his confederates. (Comp. Proverbs 6:13.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
Verse 30. He shutteth his eyes to devise, &c.] He meditates deeply upon ways and means to commit sin. He shuts his eyes that he may shut out all other ideas, that his whole soul may be in this.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:30
30. shutteth] Or, fixeth, or setteth firmly, στηρίζων, LXX. He closes or fixes his eyes, as though in deep thought, and tightens his lips, as if to keep back words which he could utter. Comp. Proverbs 6:12-14 for a further description of the same character. It is better to regard this verse with R.V. as a separate proverb, He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise froward things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass, than with A.V. as a continuation of the preceding proverb.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:30
30. He shutteth his eyes — Or, fixes his eyes. To devise froward things — Perversities. Compare Proverbs 2:12; Proverbs 6:14.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ploughing a Rock by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the futility of seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in worldly pursuits such as pleasure, wealth, and success. The author presents various examples |
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The One Thing Guaranteed to End All Marriages by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and respect in marriages, focusing on the need for husbands to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church |
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Breaking Up the Fallow Ground by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of breaking up the fallow ground of our hearts to prepare for a revival within the Church. He explains that fallow ground represents hearts |
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Hardness of Heart by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the 'Hardness of Heart' in his sermon, emphasizing how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, failed to understand due to their hardened hearts. He ex |
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Here Am I - Send Me by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of having a vision of God's holiness and grace as illustrated in Isaiah 6, where Isaiah responds to God's call with 'Here am I. Send me.' He st |
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The Guilt of Indifference to Divine Threatenings. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of heeding God's warnings and messages, emphasizing the consequences of indifference towards His word. He draws parallels between histor |
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The Day of Clear Vision to the Dim Eyes. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the spiritual blindness of many, contrasting it with those whose eyes have been opened by God to see the truth. He explains that while some see, their vis |