Proverbs 17:4
Proverbs 17:4 in Multiple Translations
A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue.
Evil people listen to spiteful talk, and liars pay attention to malicious words.
The wicked giueth heed to false lippes, and a lyer hearkeneth to the naughtie tongue.
An evil doer is attentive to lips of vanity, Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.
An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips: and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
The evil man obeyeth an unjust tongue: and the deceitful hearkeneth to lying lips.
Those who do what is evil pay attention to people who say [MTY] what is evil, and liars pay attention to other people’s lies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:4
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 17:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ֭רַע
מַקְשִׁ֣יב
עַל
שְׂפַת
אָ֑וֶן
שֶׁ֥קֶר
מֵ֝זִין
עַל
לְשׁ֥וֹן
הַוֺּֽת
מֵ֭רַע
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil
מַקְשִׁ֣יב
qâshab
H7181
to listen
V-Hiphil
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
שֶׁ֥קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
מֵ֝זִין
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לְשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs
הַוֺּֽת
havvâh
H1942
desire
N-fp
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 17:4
מֵ֭רַע
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
מַקְשִׁ֣יב
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
V-Hiphil
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
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.
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
שֶׁ֥קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
מֵ֝זִין
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
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.
הַוֺּֽת
havvâh
H1942
"desire"
N-fp
Havvah refers to a strong desire, but often in a bad sense, and can also mean ruin or calamity. It's used to describe something naughty or wicked, like mischief or iniquity. This concept appears in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) desire 1a) desire (in bad sense) 2) chasm (fig. of destruction) 2a) engulfing ruin, destruction, calamity
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous (thing), naughtiness, naughty, noisome, perverse thing, substance, very wickedness. See also: Job 6:2; Psalms 57:2; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:4
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
2A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.
3A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.
4A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
5He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished. 6Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 4:3–4 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. |
| 2 | 1 John 4:5 | They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:4 | Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. |
| 4 | Isaiah 30:10 | They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 5:31 | The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? |
| 6 | 1 Kings 22:6–28 | So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man who can ask the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied. So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.” Dressed in royal attire, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them. Now Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made for himself iron horns and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are finished off.’” And all the prophets were prophesying the same, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold now, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he never prophesies good for me, but only bad?” Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that. Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?” Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.” And the king of Israel declared, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son, and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!” |
| 7 | Revelation 13:3–8 | One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?” The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 22:7–11 | Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.” But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” Then the king sent messengers to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and his father’s whole family, who were priests at Nob. And all of them came to the king. |
Proverbs 17:4 Summary
This verse warns us about the dangers of listening to bad advice or hanging out with people who have bad intentions. When we surround ourselves with wicked influences, we can easily get drawn into sinful behavior, as seen in the example of bad company in 1 Corinthians 15:33. On the other hand, seeking out godly counsel and wise friends can help us stay on the right path, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:9. By being mindful of the company we keep and the advice we listen to, we can make better choices and live more wisely, as exhorted in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist says that God's word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to listen to evil lips?
According to Proverbs 17:4, listening to evil lips refers to giving attention to wicked or ungodly counsel, which can lead to destructive behavior, as seen in Proverbs 1:10-19, where the writer warns against listening to sinful advice.
How does a liar give ear to a destructive tongue?
A liar gives ear to a destructive tongue by being receptive to false or misleading information, which can lead to further deception and harm, as warned in 2 Timothy 3:13, where it says that evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
What is the significance of the phrase 'a wicked man listens to evil lips'?
The phrase highlights the tendency of wicked individuals to seek out and listen to advice that aligns with their sinful nature, rather than seeking godly counsel, as encouraged in Psalm 1:1-3, where the blessed man is described as not walking in the counsel of the wicked.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the company we keep and the advice we listen to, seeking to surround ourselves with godly influences and counsel, as exhorted in 1 Corinthians 15:33, where it says that bad company corrupts good morals.
Reflection Questions
- What kinds of conversations or advice do I typically listen to, and are they aligned with godly values?
- How can I discern whether someone's counsel is wise and godly, or wicked and destructive?
- In what ways can I seek out and listen to godly advice, such as through reading Scripture or seeking wise mentors?
- What are some potential consequences of listening to evil lips or giving ear to a destructive tongue, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:4
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips,.... A man of an ill spirit, of a mischievous disposition, that delights in doing wickedness; he carefully attends to such as speak falsehood; he listens to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:4
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
A wicked doer, or, a malicious or mischievous man, whose practice and delight it is to bring trouble to others, giveth heed to false lips, Heb. to lips of iniquity, to any wicked counsels or speeches, to false accusations and calumnies, which give him occasion and encouragement to do mischief. A liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue; he who accustometh himself to false and wicked speaking delighteth in the like speeches of other men. This proverb contains a comparison between an evil-doer and an evil-speaker, and showeth their agreement in the same sinful practice of being greedy to hear false and wicked speeches.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
Proverbs 17:4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; [and] a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.Ver. 4. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips.] It is an ill sign of a vicious nature to be apt to believe scandalous reports of godly men. If men loved not lies, they wonld not listen to them. Some are of the opinion that Solomon having said, "God trieth the hearts," doth in this and the two next following verses instance some particular sins so accounted by God, which yet pass among men for no sins, or peccadilloes at the utmost, seeing no man seems to receive wrong by them - such as these are, to listen to lying lips, to mock the poor, to rejoice at another man’ s calamity, and the like. Lo, they that do thus, though to themselves and others they may seem to have done nothing amiss, yet God that tries the hearts will call them to account for these malicious miscarriages.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
Verse 4. A wicked doer giveth heed] An evil heart is disposed and ever ready to receive evil; and liars delight in lies.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:4
4. false] Rather, wicked, R.V., in a wider sense.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:4
The two clauses describe two phases of the mutual affinities of evil. The evil-doer delights in lies, the liar in bad words.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:4
4. Wicked doer… giveth heed to false lips — He is an evil doer, a bad man, who gives heed to an iniquitous lip — corrupt speech; and he is a false man, whatever he feigns, that listens with pleasure to a pestilent tongue.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spirit of a True Prophet - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the preacher discusses a sermon given by P. Nicholson, who emphasized the theme of repentance. The preacher describes how Nicholson's preaching had a pow |
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(Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand" by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the di |
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(Clip) the Gospel Will Soon Be Hate Speech by Francis Chan | This sermon discusses the potential future challenges Christians may face in a changing world where public forums could be restricted and labeled as hate speech. Drawing parallels |
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Audio Sermon: Last Days Deception by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of the gospel of accommodation, which adapts and adjusts the message of the Gospel to suit the desires and weaknesses of sinful men. It warns aga |
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Survive the Great Depression by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the stark contrast between two gospels, one aligned with Jesus' teachings and the other preaching unscriptural and opposite beliefs. The spe |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:26-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of liberalism infiltrating the church and causing a decline in its influence. He recalls a personal experience of witnessing a young |
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Apostasy/healing/prosperity? by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, emphasizing the warning about the last days and the deception that will lead many Christians astray. It highlights the danger of |