CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 4:24 Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_04_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:24 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/4-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/4-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm" title="Proverbs 4:23">◄</a> Proverbs 4:24 <a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm" title="Proverbs 4:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Rid yourself of a deceitful mouth And keep devious speech far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put devious lips far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Put away from you a perverse mouth And put devious lips far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, And put devious lips far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don&#8217t let your lips talk deviously. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Put away from thee a wayward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Remove dishonesty from your mouth. Put deceptive speech far away from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Never talk deceptively and don't keep company with people whose speech is corrupt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Remove perverse speech from your mouth; keep devious talk far from your lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Turn aside a contrary mouth from you, "" And put perverse lips far from you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Turn aside from thee a froward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from thee perverseness of mouth, and frowardness of lips remove far oft from thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Remove from thee a froward mouth, and let detracting lips be far from thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Remove from yourself a corrupt mouth, and let detracting lips be far from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Dishonest mouth put away from you, deceitful lips put far from you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Put away from you a perverse mouth, and the counsel of deceit put far from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Cause the perverse mouth to pass from you, and put far from your lips the thought of depravity.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Put away from thee a froward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Remove from thee a froward mouth, and put far away from thee unjust lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=729" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">A Father's Instruction</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: hā·sêr (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">Put</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">away</a> <a href="/hebrew/6143.htm" title="6143: ‘iq·qə·šūṯ (N-fsc) -- Crookedness. From iqqesh; perversity.">deception</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: peh (N-ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">from your mouth;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: har·ḥêq (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·me·kā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: p̄ā·ṯa·yim (N-fd) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">your lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/3891.htm" title="3891: ū·lə·zūṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Deviation, crookedness. From luwz; perverseness.">from perverse speech.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2-12</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a></span><br />Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a></span><br />A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></span><br />The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Proverbs 6:12</a></span><br />A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31-32</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. / The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a></span><br />A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Ephesians 5:4</a></span><br />Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a></span><br />to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Put away from you a fraudulent mouth, and perverse lips put far from you.</p><p class="hdg">put</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/11-14.htm">Job 11:14</a></b></br> If iniquity <i>be</i> in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">Ezekiel 18:31</a></b></br> Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Ephesians 4:25-31</a></b></br> Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/94-20.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/psalms/144-11.htm">Deceitful</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-32.htm">Devious</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-22.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-15.htm">Far</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-32.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-32.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-14.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-14.htm">Perversity</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/psalms/145-11.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Wayward</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Deceitful</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Devious</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-8.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-8.htm">Far</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Perversity</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-22.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-17.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Wayward</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">persuades to wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">and to show wickedness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">He exhorts to sanctification</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Put away deception from your mouth;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in speech. In biblical context, deception is often associated with sin and is contrary to the nature of God, who is truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The call to put away deception aligns with the wisdom literature's broader theme of living righteously and in accordance with God's commandments. Historically, in ancient Israel, truthfulness was a valued trait, essential for maintaining community trust and justice. The exhortation to avoid deception can be seen as a reflection of the ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to speak the truth in love (<a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a>).<p><b>keep your lips from perverse speech.</b><br>Perverse speech refers to language that is corrupt, misleading, or morally twisted. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, speech was a powerful tool that could build up or destroy communities. The wisdom literature often contrasts the speech of the wise with that of the foolish, highlighting the destructive potential of perverse words (<a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31-32</a>). This phrase calls for self-control and discernment in communication, aligning with the biblical principle that words reflect the heart's condition (<a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>). The New Testament reinforces this idea, urging believers to let no corrupting talk come out of their mouths, but only what is good for building up (<a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a>). This aligns with the character of Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>), embodying perfect truth and purity in speech.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his teachings, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and righteous living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_father_and_son.htm">The Father and Son</a></b><br>In the broader context of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Proverbs 4</a>, the father imparts wisdom to his son, symbolizing the transmission of godly wisdom from one generation to the next.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_speech.htm">Guard Your Speech</a></b><br>Our words have power and can either build up or tear down. As believers, we are called to speak truth and avoid deception.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heart_and_mouth_connection.htm">Heart and Mouth Connection</a></b><br>What we say reflects what is in our hearts. We must cultivate a heart aligned with God's truth to ensure our speech is pure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_perverse_speech.htm">Avoiding Perverse Speech</a></b><br>This includes not only lies but also gossip, slander, and any form of communication that does not honor God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_wisdom.htm">Seek Wisdom</a></b><br>Regularly immerse yourself in Scripture to gain wisdom that will guide your speech and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a></b><br>Surround yourself with fellow believers who can lovingly hold you accountable for your words and encourage you in your walk with Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_perverse_mouth.htm">What defines a perverse mouth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_perverseness.htm">What does the Bible say about perverseness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_phrase_'love_is_love'_accurate.htm">What defines a perverse mouth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_cef.htm">What does the Bible say about passive-aggressiveness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">A froward mouth.</span>--Heb. <span class= "ital">'iqqesh-th, </span>literally, <span class= "ital">distortion, </span>or twisting of the truth, not the same word as in <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm" title="To deliver you from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaks fraudulent things;">Proverbs 2:12</a>; <a href="/proverbs/2-14.htm" title="Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;">Proverbs 2:14</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Perverse lips--</span>i.e., that "turn aside" from the truth.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - The following admonitions of this chapter bear reference to the outward conduct of life. They continue the subject of ver. 23 by showing how the guarding of the heart is to be done. There is the most; intimate connection between the heart as the fountain of the moral life and of the conduct of life, which, though determined by the condition of the heart, in its turn reacts upon the heart as the moral centre, and keeps it pure. Thus the subject is treated from its two sides. On vers. 24 and 25 Hitzig remarks that they "warn against an arbitrary perverting of the moral judgment into which evil passions so easily betray, and admonish not to give misdirection to thought within the department of morality." <span class="cmt_word">A froward mouth, and perverse lips;</span> literally, <span class="accented">perverseness of mouth and waywardness of lips</span> (<span class="accented">ikk'shuth peh vulzuth s'phathayim</span>). "Perversity of mouth" is fraudulent, deceitful speech; that which twists, distorts, perverts, or misrepresents what is true, and hence falsehood (<a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24</a>; <a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Proverbs 6:12</a>; <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1</a>). The <span class="greek">σκολιὸν στόμα</span> of the LXX., <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the "tortuous mouth," in a metaphorical sense. The phrase is very similar in meaning with the parallel "waywardness of lips," which means speech which turns aside from what is true and right, the noun <span class="accented">lazuth</span> being derived from <span class="accented">lazah</span>, or <span class="accented">luz</span>, "to bend aside." The tongue is the unruly member (<a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a>). Speech is the index of the mind (Lapide). Vigilance over the heart is vigilance over the mouth, inasmuch as "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (<a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>). The admonition may have a twofold application, and may mean either do not indulge in this kind of speech yourself, exercise an unremitting jealousy over every propensity to it; or have no dealings with those who are guilty of it, as in <a href="/psalms/101-5.htm">Psalm 101:5</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Put</span><br /><span class="heb">הָסֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·sêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">away</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֭מְּךָ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·mə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">deception</span><br /><span class="heb">עִקְּשׁ֣וּת</span> <span class="translit">(‘iq·qə·šūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6143.htm">Strong's 6143: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crookedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from your mouth;</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(peh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep</span><br /><span class="heb">הַרְחֵ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(har·ḥêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·ṯa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from perverse speech.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְז֥וּת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·zūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3891.htm">Strong's 3891: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deviation, crookedness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>