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a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; <i>and</i> a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />An evildoer listens to wicked lips, A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />An evildoer gives heed to lips of wickedness; A liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />An evildoer listens closely to wicked lips; And a liar pays attention to a destructive <i>and</i> malicious tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked person listens to malicious talk; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked person listens to malicious talk; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Troublemakers listen to troublemakers, and liars listen to liars. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; and a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />An evildoer pays attention to wicked lips. A liar opens his ears to a slanderous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Evil people listen to evil ideas, and liars listen to lies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever practices evil pays attention to wicked speech, and the liar listens to malicious talk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />One who acts wickedly pays attention to evil counsel; a liar listens to a malicious tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips: and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />An evildoer is attentive to lips of vanity, "" Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An evil doer is attentive to lips of vanity, Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He doing evil attends upon, lips of vanity; he lying feeds upon a tongue of mischief.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The evil man obeyeth an unjust tongue: and the deceitful hearkeneth to lying lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The evil obey an unjust tongue. And the false are submissive to lying lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The evildoer gives heed to wicked lips, the liar, to a mischievous tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man listens to perverse lips; but a righteous man does not heed the tongues of vicious men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An evil man listens to the lips of the wicked, and the righteous does not hear the tongue of the wicked.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-4.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=3322" 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/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: mê·ra‘ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">A wicked man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7181.htm" title="7181: maq·šîḇ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To incline (ears), attend. A primitive root; to prick up the ears, i.e. Hearken.">listens</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/205.htm" title="205: ’ā·wen (N-ms) -- From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant; strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol.">evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄aṯ- (N-fsc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">lips;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: še·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham.">a liar</a> <a href="/hebrew/238.htm" title="238: mê·zîn (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; probably to expand; but used only as a denominative from 'ozen; to broaden out the ear, i.e. to listen.">gives ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1942.htm" title="1942: haw·wōṯ (N-fp) -- Desire, chasm, destruction. From hava'; desire; also ruin.">a destructive</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lə·šō·wn (N-csc) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">tongue.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.…<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/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3-4</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah / You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3-6</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></span><br />You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-9.htm">Isaiah 30:9-11</a></span><br />These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. / 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. / Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:10-12</a></span><br />and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-12.htm">Micah 6:12</a></span><br />For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28-32</a></span><br />Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31-32</a></span><br />So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15-20</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Hosea 4:1-2</a></span><br />Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! / Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1-2</a></span><br />Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11-12</a></span><br />But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. / They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A wicked doer gives heed to false lips; and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4</a></b></br> They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17-11</a></b></br> And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also <i>is</i> with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-6.htm">1 Kings 22:6</a></b></br> Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver <i>it</i> into the hand of the king.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/ruth/4-6.htm">Damaging</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/psalms/91-3.htm">Destructive</a> <a href="/psalms/106-21.htm">Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Evildoer</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-5.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Heeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Iniquitous</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Malicious</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Mischievous</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Naughty</a> <a href="/psalms/94-7.htm">Pays</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/psalms/140-8.htm">Wrongdoer</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/ruth/4-6.htm">Damaging</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-2.htm">Destructive</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-17.htm">Evildoer</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/revelation/22-7.htm">Heeds</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Iniquitous</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Malicious</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-8.htm">Mischievous</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-2.htm">Naughty</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Pays</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Wrongdoer</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A wicked man listens to evil lips;</b><br>This phrase highlights the moral character of the individual who is receptive to harmful speech. In biblical context, the term "wicked" often refers to those who are morally corrupt and opposed to God's ways. Listening to "evil lips" suggests a willingness to entertain and accept falsehoods or malicious talk. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that one's character is reflected in whom they choose to listen to and associate with. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, oral communication was a primary means of conveying information, making the act of listening a significant moral choice. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently warn against the influence of the wicked (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>, <a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">Proverbs 1:10-19</a>), emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding from righteous sources.<p><b>a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.</b><br>The second part of the verse continues the theme of moral alignment, indicating that those who are deceitful themselves are drawn to similarly destructive speech. The "destructive tongue" can be understood as speech that causes harm, whether through slander, gossip, or false testimony. This reflects the biblical principle that like attracts like; those who are dishonest are naturally inclined to listen to and propagate harmful words. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, as seen in <a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a>, where the tongue is described as a fire capable of great destruction. The cultural context of the time placed a high value on community reputation and honor, making the destructive potential of the tongue particularly significant. This phrase also serves as a warning to guard one's heart and mind against influences that lead away from truth and righteousness, a theme consistent throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked_man.htm">Wicked Man</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a wicked man is someone who is morally wrong, guilty, or hostile to God. The Hebrew word used here is (rasha), which often denotes someone who is actively engaged in wrongdoing.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/evil_lips.htm">Evil Lips</a></b><br>This phrase refers to speech that is harmful, deceitful, or morally corrupt. It implies communication that leads others away from truth and righteousness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/liar.htm">Liar</a></b><br>A person who speaks falsehoods or is deceitful. The Hebrew word (sheqer) is used, indicating falsehood or deception.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/destructive_tongue.htm">Destructive Tongue</a></b><br>This refers to speech that causes harm, division, or destruction. It is speech that tears down rather than builds up.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_ears_and_heart.htm">Guard Your Ears and Heart</a></b><br>Be mindful of the voices you listen to. Just as a wicked man listens to evil lips, we must be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives. Surround yourself with godly counsel and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Recognize the impact of your speech. Words can build up or tear down. Strive to use your tongue to encourage and edify others, avoiding deceit and destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_relationships.htm">Discernment in Relationships</a></b><br>Evaluate the character of those you associate with. Are they leading you towards righteousness or away from it? Choose friends and mentors who speak truth and life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-reflection_on_speech.htm">Self-Reflection on Speech</a></b><br>Consider your own words. Are you guilty of being a "destructive tongue"? Seek forgiveness and strive to align your speech with God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursue_truth_and_integrity.htm">Pursue Truth and Integrity</a></b><br>Commit to being a person of truth, both in what you say and in what you listen to. Reject lies and deceit, and seek to live with integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_hate.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on hate?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_16_4_imply_god_created_evil.htm">Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_a_'cruel_messenger'_fit_a_kind_deity.htm">Proverbs 17:11 describes a 'cruel messenger' sent against rebels. How can this align with the notion of a benevolent deity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_evil_people.htm">What is the Bible's view on evil people?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A wicked doer giveth heed to false</span> (evil) <span class="cmt_word">lips</span>. A bad man delights in and hearkens to evil words; he takes pleasure in those who counsel wickedness, because they are after his own heart. Like mates with like. And <span class="cmt_word">a liar giveth ear to a naughty</span> (<span class="accented">mischievous</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>tongue</span>. One who is himself mendacious listens with avidity to any tale that may injure a neighbour. however monstrous and improbable it may be. Septuagint, "A wicked man listens to the tongue of transgressors; but a just man heedeth not false lips." The Greek adds here, or in some manuscripts, after ver. 6, a paragraph which is not found in the Hebrew, Syriac, or Latin: "To him who is faithful the whole world wealth belongs; but the unfaithful is not worth an obole." On this the Fathers have frequently commented (see Corn. a Lapide, <span class="accented">in loc</span>.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-4.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">A wicked man</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֭רַע</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ra‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad</span><br /><br /><span class="word">listens</span><br /><span class="heb">מַקְשִׁ֣יב</span> <span class="translit">(maq·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7181.htm">Strong's 7181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prick up the ears, hearken</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֑וֶן</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·wen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_205.htm">Strong's 205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lips;</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפַת־</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄aṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<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">a liar</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֥קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(še·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8267.htm">Strong's 8267: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deception, disappointment, falsehood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gives ear</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֝זִין</span> <span class="translit">(mê·zîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_238.htm">Strong's 238: </a> </span><span class="str2">To broaden out the ear, to listen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a destructive</span><br /><span class="heb">הַוֺּֽת׃</span> <span class="translit">(haw·wōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1942.htm">Strong's 1942: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, chasm, destruction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tongue.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשׁ֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-4.htm">Proverbs 17:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:5" /></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>