Proverbs 10 : 10 & 11 Speak Righteously

Today, we will look at two verses that have to do with the proper use of our mouth, or the words we speak.




Proverbs 10: 10 & 11 (NKJV)

10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble,
But a prating fool will fall.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life,
But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

The first part of verse 10 speaks to us about those that “wink with the eye.” This is often a technique that people use to show that what they are speaking of at the time, is NOT what is really in their hearts. It tends to denote that there is a “lie” in their words, and this will always cause trouble sooner or later.

The second part of this verse again uses the words “a prating fool will fall,” and as we saw when this phrase was used in verse 8 of this chapter, a couple of studies ago, this part of the verse tells us that foolish people speak of only empty, foolish or trivial things that help no one. These people will ultimately fail or “fall.”

The first part of verse 11 points out that those that speak “righteous” words… words that are morally upright, and without sin, are people that bring “life” to others. Anytime we speak Godly wisdom, or the “Word,” we are passing around the “living water” spoken of by Jesus, who is known as “The Word.” John 7:38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

The second part of Proverbs 10:6 is the same as the second part of verse 11. As we saw then, the violence spoken of through a person’s lips will eventually overwhelm them. These people will follow the lead of their lips, because out of the hearts of men, come their words, and death is the eventual result of a violent, sinful life.