The lips of the righteous know what is fitting
This phrase emphasizes the wisdom and discernment that come from living a life aligned with God's principles. The "righteous" are those who live in accordance with God's laws and seek His guidance. In biblical context, righteousness is often associated with justice, mercy, and humility before God (Micah 6:8). The idea of knowing "what is fitting" suggests an understanding of appropriate speech and behavior, which is a recurring theme in Proverbs (Proverbs 15:23, 25:11). This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply rooted in a relationship with God, who grants insight to those who seek Him (James 1:5). The righteous are contrasted with the wicked, highlighting the moral and spiritual discernment that comes from a life dedicated to God.

but the mouth of the wicked is perverse
The "wicked" are those who reject God's ways and live in opposition to His commandments. Their speech is described as "perverse," indicating a distortion or corruption of what is good and true. This perversion can manifest as lies, deceit, or harmful words that lead others astray (Proverbs 6:12-14). The mouth, as a symbol of communication, reflects the condition of the heart (Matthew 12:34). In biblical times, speech was a powerful tool, and the misuse of it was seen as a serious moral failing. The contrast between the righteous and the wicked in this verse underscores the importance of aligning one's words with God's truth. The perverse speech of the wicked ultimately leads to destruction, both for themselves and for those they influence (Proverbs 18:7). This serves as a warning to guard one's heart and speech, seeking to reflect the character of Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of truth and righteousness (John 14:6).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Righteous
In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's laws and wisdom. They are characterized by their moral integrity and alignment with God's will.

2. The Wicked
This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's commands. Their actions and words are often described as corrupt and morally wrong.

3. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs are intended to impart practical and spiritual wisdom.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

5. Wisdom Literature
A genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical and ethical living according to divine wisdom.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. As believers, we are called to use our speech to edify and encourage others, reflecting the righteousness of Christ in us.

Discernment in Speech
The righteous are characterized by their ability to discern what is fitting to say. This requires wisdom and a heart aligned with God's truth.

Guarding Against Perversion
The mouth of the wicked is described as perverse. We must guard our hearts and minds against influences that lead to corrupt speech.

Reflecting Christ in Our Words
As followers of Christ, our speech should reflect His character. This means speaking truth in love and avoiding gossip, slander, and deceit.

Seeking God's Wisdom
To know what is fitting, we must seek God's wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:32?2. How can we ensure our words align with "what is fitting" in Proverbs 10:32? 3. What does Proverbs 10:32 teach about the power of righteous speech? 4. How does Proverbs 10:32 connect with James 3 on controlling the tongue? 5. In what ways can we avoid "perverse" speech as warned in Proverbs 10:32? 6. How can Proverbs 10:32 guide our daily conversations to reflect Christian values?7. How does Proverbs 10:32 define the speech of the righteous versus the wicked? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 10:32? 9. How does Proverbs 10:32 align with the overall message of the Book of Proverbs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?11. What does the Bible say about perverseness?12. Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?13. Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.14. What defines a perverse mouth?

What Does Proverbs 10:32 Mean

Verse Context

Proverbs 10 forms part of Solomon’s collection of concise contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. Each couplet sets two ways of living side by side, showing the fruit each produces (Proverbs 10:6; 10:11). Verse 32 continues that pattern, focusing on speech.

The Lips of the Righteous

• Those counted righteous by faith and practice let their mouths reflect a heart aligned with God (Luke 6:45; Psalm 37:30).

• Their lips “know,” indicating discernment: before words leave the tongue, the heart evaluates whether they honor God (James 1:19; Colossians 4:6).

Know What Is Fitting

• “Fitting” speech matches the need of the moment (Ephesians 4:29), brings healing (Proverbs 12:18), and promotes peace (Romans 14:19).

• Because wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7), the righteous instinctively sense when to speak, what to say, and how to say it (Proverbs 15:23).

But the Mouth of the Wicked

• In stark contrast, the wicked speak from a heart untouched by grace (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 12:34).

• Their mouths overflow with whatever advances selfish ends, even if it harms others (Proverbs 6:12–14; Psalm 140:3).

Is Perverse

• Perverse words twist truth, stir strife, and undercut righteousness (Proverbs 16:27–28).

• Such speech invites judgment, for God hates “a lying tongue” and “a false witness who pours out lies” (Proverbs 6:16–19; Revelation 21:8).

Daily Applications

• Pause before speaking: ask whether your words will honor Christ (1 Peter 3:15–16).

• Aim for edification: replace gossip or sarcasm with encouragement (Proverbs 25:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

• Seek the Spirit’s help: only He can tame the tongue (James 3:8; Galatians 5:22–23).

Summary

Proverbs 10:32 draws a clear line: righteous lips discern and deliver words that suit God’s purposes, while wicked mouths spew crooked speech that distorts truth. Our call is to let redeemed hearts guide our tongues, so every utterance fits the moment and reflects the character of the Lord we serve.

(32) What is acceptable.--To God and man. (Comp. the gracious words which proceeded out of Christ's lips, Luke 4:22.)

Speaketh frowardness.--Rather, is mere falsehood, misrepresentation. (See above on Proverbs 8:30.)

Verse 32. - Know. A good man's lips are conversant with what is acceptable to God and man. Such a person considers what will please God and edify his neighbour, and speaks in conformity therewith. The LXX. has," The lips of the righteous distil graces;" ἀποστάζει χάριτας, but probably the right verb is ἐπίσταται, which is found in some manuscripts. Speaketh frowardnsss; rather, knoweth, or is perverseness (comp. Ephesians 4:29); Septuagint, ἀποστρέφεται, or, according to the Sinaitic correcter and some other scribes, καταστρέφεται, "is turned aside," or "is overthrown." Delitszch translates, "is mere falsehood."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The lips
שִׂפְתֵ֣י (śip̄·ṯê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

of the righteous
צַ֭דִּיק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

know
יֵדְע֣וּן (yê·ḏə·‘ūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 3045: To know

what is fitting,
רָצ֑וֹן (rā·ṣō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522: Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will

but the mouth
וּפִ֥י (ū·p̄î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the wicked
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

is perverse.
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת׃ (tah·pu·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8419: Perversity, perverse thing

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Proverbs 10:32 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what (Prov. Pro Pr)