Old Testament
Proverbs 6:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a crooked mouth.
Compare translations
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
What Proverbs 6:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse describes a person who is deceitful and morally corrupt. The term 'worthless' or 'naughty' indicates someone who lacks integrity and is often involved in dishonest or harmful behavior. The 'crooked mouth' or 'froward mouth' symbolizes the way such a person speaks—using words that are twisted, misleading, or harmful. This highlights the connection between a person's character and their speech. A wicked person often uses their words to manipulate others or to promote their own selfish interests. The verse serves as a warning against associating with such individuals and encourages readers to be discerning about the company they keep and the words they use. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in both character and communication, suggesting that one's speech reflects their true nature.
How to apply Proverbs 6:12 to your life
To apply this verse, be mindful of the words you use and the company you keep. Surround yourself with honest individuals and strive to communicate truthfully. Recognize the impact of your speech on others and aim to build trust through integrity.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 6:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 6:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 6:12 mean?
Proverbs 6:12 describes a deceitful and morally corrupt person. It highlights how their twisted speech reflects their wicked character, warning against associating with such individuals.
What is the meaning of 'crooked mouth' in Proverbs 6:12?
The term 'crooked mouth' symbolizes deceitful and misleading speech. It indicates that a wicked person uses their words to manipulate others and promote selfish interests.
How can I apply Proverbs 6:12 in my life?
To apply this verse, be cautious about the people you surround yourself with and strive to communicate truthfully. Focus on building trust through honest interactions.
What themes are present in Proverbs 6:12?
Key themes in Proverbs 6:12 include deceitfulness, wickedness, integrity, and the relationship between speech and character. It serves as a warning to be discerning in relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.