Proverbs 10:31
Righteous speech produces wisdom, but perverse speech leads to destruction.
31 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
Righteous speech produces wisdom, but perverse speech leads to destruction.
To contrast the life-giving speech that flows from the righteous with the destructive speech that ultimately leads to the removal of the perverse tongue.
This proverb returns to a dominant theme in Proverbs 10, the power and character of speech. After focusing on stability, inheritance, and permanence, the text now highlights how internal righteousness manifests outwardly through words. The imagery of bearing fruit suggests ongoing production of wisdom, while the cutting off of the perverse tongue signals judgment. Within Proverbs 10, this verse reinforces that speech is a key indicator of moral and spiritual condition. It ties together inner character and external expression.
Proverbs 10:31 reflects a context where speech played a central role in leadership, justice, and daily life, making wise communication essential.
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.