Old Testament
Proverbs 10:31
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The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out.
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The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
What Proverbs 10:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse contrasts the speech of the righteous with that of the wicked. The 'mouth of the just' refers to those who are morally upright and wise, suggesting that their words are filled with wisdom and truth. In contrast, the 'perverse tongue' symbolizes those who speak deceitfully or maliciously. The phrase 'will be cut out' indicates a severe consequence for such harmful speech, implying that those who use their words to deceive or harm others will ultimately face judgment or punishment. This highlights the importance of speaking wisely and truthfully, as our words reflect our character and can have significant consequences. The verse serves as a reminder that wisdom is a valuable trait that should be cultivated, while harmful speech leads to destruction.
How to apply Proverbs 10:31 to your life
To apply this verse, focus on speaking wisely and truthfully in your daily interactions. Avoid gossip, lies, or harmful words that can hurt others. Instead, strive to share knowledge and encouragement, reflecting the wisdom that comes from a just heart. Your words can build up or tear down, so choose them carefully.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 10:31 mean?
Proverbs 10:31 contrasts the speech of the righteous with that of the wicked. It suggests that those who are just and morally upright speak wisely, while those who use deceitful or harmful words will face severe consequences.
What is the meaning of 'the mouth of the just' in Proverbs 10:31?
'The mouth of the just' refers to individuals who are morally upright and wise. Their words are characterized by wisdom and truth, reflecting their good character.
What does 'perverse tongue' mean in Proverbs 10:31?
The 'perverse tongue' symbolizes those who speak deceitfully or maliciously. It represents harmful speech that can lead to negative consequences for the speaker.
What are the consequences mentioned in Proverbs 10:31?
The verse indicates that those who use a perverse tongue will be 'cut out,' implying that they will face judgment or punishment for their harmful speech.
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