Proverbs 17:20
Proverbs 17:20 in Multiple Translations
The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Nothing good comes to him whose heart is fixed on evil purposes: and he who has an evil tongue will come to trouble.
People with warped minds don't succeed; those who tell lies get into trouble.
The froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a naughtie tongue, shall fall into euill.
The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into evil.
One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
He that is of a perverse heart, shall not find good: and he that perverteth his tongue, shall fall into evil.
Those who ◄have perverse minds/are always thinking about doing evil things► will not prosper, and disasters will happen to those who always tell lies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:20
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 17:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עִקֶּשׁ
לֵ֭ב
לֹ֣א
יִמְצָא
ט֑וֹב
וְ/נֶהְפָּ֥ךְ
בִּ֝/לְשׁוֹנ֗/וֹ
יִפּ֥וֹל
בְּ/רָעָֽה
עִקֶּשׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
twisted
Adj
לֵ֭ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/נֶהְפָּ֥ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
Conj | V-Niphal
בִּ֝/לְשׁוֹנ֗/וֹ
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Prep | N-cs | Suff
יִפּ֥וֹל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | 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 17:20
עִקֶּשׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
"twisted"
Adj
The Hebrew word for something that is twisted or distorted, and can also refer to someone who is being false or perverse. It is used to describe something that is not straight or honest. The KJV translates it as crooked or froward.
Definition: twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crooked, froward, perverse. See also: Deuteronomy 32:5; Proverbs 8:8; Psalms 18:27.
לֵ֭ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/נֶהְפָּ֥ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
Conj | V-Niphal
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
בִּ֝/לְשׁוֹנ֗/וֹ
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
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.
יִפּ֥וֹל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בְּ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | 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 17:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:20
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
18A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
19He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction.
20The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
21A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy. 22A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 3:6–8 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:31 | The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:12–15 | 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. Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 4 | Proverbs 10:14 | The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. |
| 5 | Proverbs 3:32 | for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright. |
| 6 | Proverbs 8:13 | To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. |
| 7 | Psalms 18:26 | to the pure You show Yourself pure, but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd. |
| 8 | Proverbs 18:6–7 | A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 9 | Proverbs 10:10 | He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 10:12 | The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. |
Proverbs 17:20 Summary
This verse tells us that if we have a heart that is twisted or corrupted, we will not find any good in life, and if we use our words to deceive others, we will get into trouble. This is because God desires honesty and integrity, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, and He promises to bless those who live with integrity. To live a life that is pleasing to God, we need to seek to have a pure heart and use our words to build others up, rather than to tear them down, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29. By doing so, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from living a life of honesty and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a perverse heart in Proverbs 17:20?
A perverse heart refers to a heart that is twisted or corrupted, often leading to evil or unwise decisions, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, where it says 'the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked'
How does a deceitful tongue lead to trouble?
A deceitful tongue can lead to trouble because it can damage relationships, lead to lies and dishonesty, and ultimately, to punishment, as warned in Proverbs 12:13 and Revelation 21:8
Is it possible to change a perverse heart or a deceitful tongue?
Yes, it is possible to change a perverse heart or a deceitful tongue through repentance and seeking God's help, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26 and 2 Corinthians 5:17
What is the opposite of a perverse heart and a deceitful tongue?
The opposite of a perverse heart and a deceitful tongue is a pure heart and a truthful tongue, which are qualities that God desires, as seen in Matthew 5:8 and Ephesians 4:25
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be allowing a perverse heart to influence my decisions and actions?
- How can I ensure that my tongue is used to build others up, rather than to deceive or tear them down?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be struggling with deceit or dishonesty, and how can I seek God's help to overcome them?
- How can I cultivate a pure heart and a truthful tongue, and what benefits can I expect to see in my life as a result?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:20
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good,.... Who is of a perverse spirit, meditates and devises evil things; is not ingenuous and sincere, but false and deceitful to God and men: such an one
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:20
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
He that hath a froward heart, whose heart is not plain and upright, but false towards God or men, findeth no good; shall not get that advantage by his dissimulation which he intends and expects, but shall fall into mischief, as is implied from the opposite clause. He that hath a perverse tongue; that speaks deceitfully or wickedly. So here is a comparison between an evil heart and an evil tongue, and, the ill effects of both of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
Proverbs 17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.Ver. 20. He that hath a froward heart findeth no good.] Who this is that hath a froward heart and a perverse tongue, Solomon shows, viz., the hypocrite, the "double minded man," that hath "a heart and a heart," one for God, and another for him that would have it, as that desperate Neapolitan boasted of himself. And as he hath two hearts, so two tongues too, wherewith he can both "bless and curse," talk religiously or profanely, according to the company, speak Hebrew and Ashdod, the language of Canaan and the language of hell, like those in an island beyond Arabia, of whom Diodorus Siculus saith, that they have cloven tongues, so that therewith they can alter their speech at their pleasure, and perfectly speak to two persons, and to two purposes, at once. Now how can these monsters of men expect either to find good, or not to fall into mischief? How can they escape the damnation of hell, whereof hypocrites are the chief inhabitants, yea, the freeholders, as it were? for other sinners shall have "their part" with the devil and hypocrites. Antiq., lib. iii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
(20) He that hath a froward heart, findeth no good.—For he is an abomination to God (Proverbs 11:20), and so gains no blessing from Him.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
20. A froward heart — A perverse, crooked disposition, which hinders his finding good. A perverse tongue — Literally, he whose tongue is turned; hence an untruthful tongue. Falleth into mischief — Trouble.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Tongues by Ingimar De Ridder | Ingimar De Ridder preaches about the destructive power of the tongue within the church, emphasizing the need to guard against gossip, lies, and evil speaking that can lead to divis |
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Gracious Speech by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and the impact our words can have. He shares a personal experience of how a small spark from his mouth caused fires t |
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Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for personal cleansing and purity before God, as exemplified by the prophet's cry of being undone and having filthy lips. He highlights |
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1 Timothy 4:12 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising God for the many answers to prayer and professions of faith that have occurred through various ministries. He then references the boo |
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Beyond the Surface by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith and the impact it should have on a person's life. He warns against the deception that can come from |
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Poison From the Tongue by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the content we consume, particularly videos. He warns against allowing negative influences into our l |
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Tongue Taming by David P. Murray | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power and impact of our words. He uses various illustrations to emphasize how something small, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder |