Menu

Proverbs 4:24

Proverbs 4:24 in Multiple Translations

Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Put away from thee a wayward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee.

Put away from you an evil tongue, and let false lips be far from you.

Don't ever lie, and don't say anything dishonest.

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and put wicked lippes farre from thee.

Turn aside from thee a froward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee,

Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you.

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Remove from thee a froward mouth, and let detracting lips be far from thee.

Do not say anything that deceives others and never say what is not true.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:24

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 4:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הָסֵ֣ר מִ֭מְּ/ךָ עִקְּשׁ֣וּת פֶּ֑ה וּ/לְז֥וּת שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם הַרְחֵ֥ק מִמֶּֽ/ךָּ
הָסֵ֣ר çûwr H5493 to turn aside V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
מִ֭מְּ/ךָ min H4480 from Prep | Suff
עִקְּשׁ֣וּת ʻiqqᵉshûwth H6143 crookedness N-fs
פֶּ֑ה peh H6310 lip N-ms
וּ/לְז֥וּת lᵉzûwth H3891 perversity Conj | N-fs
שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם sâphâh H8193 lips N-fd
הַרְחֵ֥ק râchaq H7368 to remove V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
מִמֶּֽ/ךָּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 4:24

הָסֵ֣ר çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִ֭מְּ/ךָ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
עִקְּשׁ֣וּת ʻiqqᵉshûwth H6143 "crookedness" N-fs
The Hebrew word for crookedness or perversity, referring to a distortion or twisting of what is right. It is used to describe someone who is being dishonest or unfair. The KJV translates it as froward or perverseness.
Definition: distortion, crookedness
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] froward. See also: Proverbs 4:24; Proverbs 6:12.
פֶּ֑ה 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.
וּ/לְז֥וּת lᵉzûwth H3891 "perversity" Conj | N-fs
This word describes perversity or crookedness, often referring to morally wrong behavior. It is used in Proverbs and other books to warn against deviating from what is right. It signifies a turning away from good.
Definition: deviation, perversity, crookedness
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: perverse. See also: Proverbs 4:24.
שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם sâphâh H8193 "lips" N-fd
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.
הַרְחֵ֥ק râchaq H7368 "to remove" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
מִמֶּֽ/ךָּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

Study Notes — Proverbs 4:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
2 Proverbs 8:8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse.
3 Ephesians 4:25–31 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
4 Proverbs 6:12 A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,
5 James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.
6 Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
7 1 Peter 2:1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
8 Colossians 3:8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 1 Timothy 6:5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
10 Job 11:14 if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents,

Proverbs 4:24 Summary

This verse is reminding us to be honest and truthful in all our conversations, and to avoid saying things that are hurtful or misleading. By doing so, we reflect the character of God, who is a God of truth, as seen in John 14:6. When we speak truthfully and kindly, we bring joy and life to those around us, as noted in Proverbs 4:22, and we honor God with our words, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of deception is being referred to in Proverbs 4:24?

The deception mentioned in this verse refers to any form of dishonest or misleading speech, as warned against in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9, where believers are exhorted to put away falsehood and speak truthfully.

How can I identify perverse speech in my own life?

Perverse speech can include gossip, slander, or any form of communication that is hurtful or unedifying to others, as mentioned in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Ephesians 4:29, where we are encouraged to use our words to build up and bless others.

What is the importance of controlling our speech according to Proverbs 4:24?

Controlling our speech is crucial because it reflects the condition of our heart, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45, emphasizing that our words have the power to bring life or death, and to honor or dishonor God.

How can I practically apply Proverbs 4:24 in my daily conversations?

To apply this verse, we can ask God to help us be mindful of our words, as in Psalm 19:14, and to speak the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15, seeking to edify and uplift those around us with our speech.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I have used deceptive or perverse speech in the past, and how can I repent and change my behavior?
  2. How can I use my words to bring healing and life to those around me, as mentioned in Proverbs 4:22?
  3. In what situations do I struggle most with controlling my tongue, and what strategies can I use to overcome these challenges?
  4. What would my relationships and witness look like if I consistently put away deception and perverse speech from my mouth?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:24

Put away from thee a froward mouth,.... A mouth speaking froward and perverse things; things contrary to right reason, to the law of God, and Gospel of Christ; blasphemies against God or men; every

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:24

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee - Hebrew, frowardness (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:24

All sorts of sinful words, which proceed from and discover an evil heart.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:24

Proverbs 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.Ver. 24. Put away from thee a froward mouth.] To the keeping of the heart, a careful watching over the mouth, eyes, feet, &c., doth much conduce. For these outward parts abused, as they receive defilement from the heart, so they reflect defilement also upon it. They stain the soul, and dispose it to further evil. Christ had a pure heart; therefore his eyes were not bewitched, nor his ears enchanted, "neither was there any guile found in his mouth." And perverse lips put far from thee.] Because it is a duty of no small difficulty, therefore he redoubleth his exhortation. "The words of the wise are as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies."

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:24

(24) A froward mouth.—Heb. ‘iqqeshûth, literally, distortion, or twisting of the truth, not the same word as in Proverbs 2:12; Proverbs 2:14. Perverse lips—i.e., that “turn aside” from the truth.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:24

Verse 24. A froward mouth] Beware of hastiness, anger, and rash speeches. And perverse lips] Do not delight in nor acquire the habit of contradicting and gainsaying; and beware of calumniating and backbiting your neighbour.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 4:24

Speech turned from its true purpose, the wandering eye that leads on to evil, action hasty and inconsiderate, are the natural results where we do not “above all keeping keep our heart” Proverbs 4:23.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:24

24. A froward mouth… perverse lips — Swerving from truth and purity, all lying, prevarication, deceitful and wrong discourse of every kind.

Sermons on Proverbs 4:24

SermonDescription
Keith Daniel A Season and a Time by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using words wisely and knowing when to keep silent. He shares a personal story of encountering a young man with a rebellio
George Whitefield The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing. (Matt. 5:34) by George Whitefield George Whitefield preaches about the sin of profane swearing and cursing, highlighting the prevalence of this evil in society and the need for individuals, especially those in auth
Martin Knapp Third River -- Profanity by Martin Knapp Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the seriousness of taking the name of the Lord in vain, emphasizing that God will not hold guiltless those who do so. He shares the story
Zac Poonen 8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humilit
Alan Martin 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
Zac Poonen A Spirit-Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not reading the Bible in isolated chapters but rather understanding the connections between different passages. He encourage
Keith Daniel The Sin of Unclean Lips by Keith Daniel In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a personal story about failing his final exams and the impact it had on him. He describes how his failure caught up with him and cause

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate