Proverbs 10:11
Righteous speech brings life, but wicked speech conceals harm.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
Righteous speech brings life, but wicked speech conceals harm.
To contrast the life-giving speech of the righteous with the concealed violence present in the speech of the wicked.
This proverb continues the strong emphasis on speech that has been building throughout Proverbs 10. It expands the contrast seen in verse 6 by developing the metaphor of the mouth as a source, either of life or destruction. The imagery of a fountain highlights abundance, renewal, and ongoing benefit, indicating that righteous speech consistently produces good. In contrast, the wicked’s speech is marked by concealment, masking violence beneath outward words. Within the broader structure, this verse reinforces that speech flows from character and has tangible effects on others. It contributes to the cumulative teaching that wisdom governs communication in a life-giving way.
Proverbs 10:11 reflects a cultural context where speech was central to teaching, leadership, and daily interaction. Words were understood to have significant influence on relationships and community well-being.
The Righteous and the Wicked: Wisdom in Speech, Work, Wealth, and Life
The righteous and the wicked are revealed in ordinary life, especially in speech, work, wealth, discipline, and desire, and the LORD's moral order leads the righteous toward life while folly moves the wicked toward ruin.