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Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.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/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous bears wisdom, But the tongue of perversions will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous flows with [skillful and godly] wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom; But the perverse tongue shall be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Honest people speak sensibly, but deceitful liars will be silenced. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The mouth of a righteous person increases wisdom, but a devious tongue will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Righteous people speak wisdom, but the tongue that speaks evil will be stopped. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of the righteous overflow with wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom, but the one who speaks perversion will be destroyed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, "" And the tongue of contrariness is cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The mouth of the righteous uttereth wisdom, And the tongue of frowardness is cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The mouth of the just one shall germinate wisdom: and the tongue of perverseness shall be cut off.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: the tongue of the perverse shall perish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom. The tongue of the depraved will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the just yields wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom; but a perverse tongue shall be silenced.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom and a perverted tongue will be cut out.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous buddeth with wisdom; But the froward tongue shall be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous drops wisdom: but the tongue of the unjust shall perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/10-31.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=1885" 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/10.htm">Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî- (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">The mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">of the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/5107.htm" title="5107: yā·nūḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To bear fruit. A primitive root; to germinate, i.e. to flourish; also, to utter.">brings forth</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8419.htm" title="8419: tah·pu·ḵō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Perversity, perverse thing. From haphak; a perversity or fraud.">but a perverse</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: ū·lə·šō·wn (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: tik·kā·rêṯ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3fs) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">will be cut out.</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.…<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/3-10.htm">James 3:10-12</a></span><br />Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! / Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? / My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.<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/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<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/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<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="/psalms/19-14.htm">Psalm 19:14</a></span><br />May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.<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="/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.<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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom: but the fraudulent tongue shall be cut out.</p><p class="hdg">mouth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Proverbs 10:11,13,20,21</a></b></br> The mouth of a righteous <i>man is</i> a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a></b></br> The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.</p><p class="hdg">the froward</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">Psalm 31:18</a></b></br> Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/63-11.htm">Psalm 63:11</a></b></br> But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-3.htm">Psalm 120:3,4</a></b></br> What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/8-12.htm">Budding</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/psalms/104-10.htm">Flows</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Frowardness</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Perverted</a> <a href="/psalms/109-19.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-30.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-30.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/4-21.htm">Budding</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-8.htm">Flows</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Frowardness</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Perverted</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/10.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/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of righteous speech, which is a recurring theme in the book of Proverbs. The "righteous" refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. In biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. The righteous are seen as conduits of divine wisdom, reflecting the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). This aligns with <a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a>, which describes wisdom from above as pure, peaceable, and full of mercy. The imagery of "bringing forth" suggests a natural, abundant outflow, much like a tree bearing fruit, which is a common biblical metaphor for a life rooted in God (<a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>).<p><b>but a perverse tongue will be cut out</b><br>This part of the verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous. A "perverse tongue" refers to speech that is deceitful, corrupt, or contrary to God's truth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, speech was considered a powerful tool that could build up or destroy communities. The severe imagery of being "cut out" indicates divine judgment and the ultimate silencing of those who spread falsehoods. This echoes the warnings found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/12-3.htm">Psalm 12:3</a>, where the Lord promises to cut off flattering lips and boastful tongues. The cutting out of the tongue symbolizes the removal of influence and the end of the destructive power of evil speech. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate judge and will one day silence all falsehood and establish His truth (<a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's laws and wisdom. They are characterized by their moral integrity and their relationship with God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_perverse.htm">The Perverse</a></b><br>This term refers to those who deviate from what is right or good, often engaging in deceitful or corrupt speech and behavior.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the righteous with the wicked.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>A genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical and moral teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_righteous_speech.htm">The Power of Righteous Speech</a></b><br>The words of the righteous are not just wise but life-giving, reflecting their relationship with God. As believers, we should strive to speak words that edify and build up others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_a_perverse_tongue.htm">The Consequences of a Perverse Tongue</a></b><br>A perverse tongue leads to destruction and separation from God. We must guard our speech and ensure it aligns with biblical truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_wisdom_in_speech.htm">Cultivating Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>To bring forth wisdom, we must immerse ourselves in God's Word and allow it to transform our hearts and minds. This transformation will naturally reflect in our speech.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart-speech_connection.htm">The Heart-Speech Connection</a></b><br>Our words are a reflection of our inner spiritual state. Regular self-examination and repentance are necessary to ensure our hearts are aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_speech.htm">The Role of Community in Speech</a></b><br>Engaging in a community of believers can help us cultivate righteous speech, as we encourage and hold each other accountable.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_proverbs_view_wise_vs._foolish_women.htm">How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_our_beliefs_in_the_bible.htm">What is the meaning of James 3:8?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_proverbs_10_3_with_starving_believers.htm">Proverbs 10:3 claims God prevents the righteous from going hungry--how do we reconcile this with starving believers throughout history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_22_10_with_love.htm">Proverbs 22:10: How do we reconcile the call to 'drive out the mocker' with the New Testament emphasis on love, forgiveness, and inclusion?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">Bringeth forth wisdom.</span>--As the fields their "increase" (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-13.htm" title="He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;">Deuteronomy 32:13</a>); hence words are termed the "fruit of the lips" (<a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm" title="I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, said the LORD; and I will heal him.">Isaiah 57:19</a>).<p><span class= "bld">The froward tongue.</span>--See above on <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>.<p><span class= "bld">Shall be cut out.--</span>Comp. Christ's warning (<a href="/matthew/12-36.htm" title="But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.">Matthew 12:36</a>). Sins of the tongue will be severely judged, because, besides doing mischief to others, they are signs of an evil mind within (<a href="/matthew/5-34.htm" title="But I say to you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:">Matthew 5:34</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Bringeth forth;</span> as a tree produces fruit, and the fields yield their increase. The metaphor is common. Thus Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm">Isaiah 57:19</a>) speaks of "the fruit of the lips" (comp. <a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Hebrews 13:15</a> and <a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a>, which latter passage occurs in the same connection as the present). The Septuagint renders, "distilleth wisdom." So <a href="/songs/5-13.htm">Song of Solomon 5:13</a>, "His lips are like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh." <span class="cmt_word">The froward tongue</span> (<a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Proverbs 2:12, 14</a>: 8:13, which speaks only what is perverse and evil). <span class="cmt_word">Shall be cut out;</span> like a corrupt tree that cumbers the ground (<a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a>; <a href="/luke/13-7.htm">Luke 13:7</a>). The abuse of God's great gift of speech shall be severely punished. "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (<a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36, 37</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/10-31.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">The mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(pî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<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">of the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֭דִּיק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brings forth</span><br /><span class="heb">יָנ֣וּב</span> <span class="translit">(yā·nūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5107.htm">Strong's 5107: </a> </span><span class="str2">To germinate, to, flourish, to utter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāḵ·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a perverse</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֝הְפֻּכ֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(tah·pu·ḵō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8419.htm">Strong's 8419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perversity, perverse thing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְשׁ֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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 /><br /><span class="word">will be cut out.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּכָּרֵֽת׃</span> <span class="translit">(tik·kā·rêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth (Prov. 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