Proverbs 10:32 contrasts the speech of righteous people with that of wicked people, highlighting the moral quality of their words:
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable..." This part emphasizes that righteous people are careful and discerning in their speech. They understand what is appropriate, constructive, and truthful. Their words are often guided by wisdom, kindness, and consideration for others. "Acceptable" can mean pleasing, agreeable, or beneficial to others and aligned with moral principles. Their speech aims to build up rather than tear down.
"...but the mouth of the wicked is perverse." In contrast, the speech of wicked people is described as "perverse." "Perverse" implies that their words are twisted, distorted, or morally corrupt. Their speech might be characterized by lies, deceit, slander, insults, and words that cause harm or lead others astray. Their speech is often self-serving and harmful to others.
In essence, the verse conveys that:
Righteous individuals choose their words carefully, aiming to speak what is morally good, helpful, and truthful. Their speech reflects their inner character.
Wicked individuals, on the other hand, speak in ways that are morally twisted, harmful, and deceitful. Their speech reveals their corrupt character.
The verse underscores the importance of guarding one's speech and using it to promote good rather than evil. It implies that our words are a reflection of our inner selves.
Proverbs 10:32 contrasts the speech of righteous people with that of wicked people, highlighting the moral quality of their words:
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable..." This part emphasizes that righteous people are careful and discerning in their speech. They understand what is appropriate, constructive, and truthful. Their words are often guided by wisdom, kindness, and consideration for others. "Acceptable" can mean pleasing, agreeable, or beneficial to others and aligned with moral principles. Their speech aims to build up rather than tear down.
"...but the mouth of the wicked is perverse." In contrast, the speech of wicked people is described as "perverse." "Perverse" implies that their words are twisted, distorted, or morally corrupt. Their speech might be characterized by lies, deceit, slander, insults, and words that cause harm or lead others astray. Their speech is often self-serving and harmful to others.
In essence, the verse conveys that:
Righteous individuals choose their words carefully, aiming to speak what is morally good, helpful, and truthful. Their speech reflects their inner character.
Wicked individuals, on the other hand, speak in ways that are morally twisted, harmful, and deceitful. Their speech reveals their corrupt character.
The verse underscores the importance of guarding one's speech and using it to promote good rather than evil. It implies that our words are a reflection of our inner selves.