Proverbs 10:32

“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.”

Context:The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings written primarily by King Solomon. It provides practical guidance on various aspects of life, including morality, ethics, relationships, and decision-making. Proverbs 10:32 contrasts the speech of the righteous with that of the wicked.

The Lips of the Righteous:The verse begins by highlighting the speech of the righteous. The “lips of the righteous” refer to their words and expressions. Righteousness involves living in accordance with God’s standards and having a heart that seeks to honour Him. The righteous person understands what is “acceptable” in the sight of God and speaks words that are pleasing and upright. Their speech reflects wisdom, truth, kindness, and integrity.

Knowing What is Acceptable:The phrase “know what is acceptable” implies discernment and understanding. The righteous person is aware of what is pleasing to God and what aligns with His will. They have a deep knowledge of God’s Word and seek to apply it to their speech. Their words promote harmony, build up others, and contribute positively to their relationships and society.

The Mouth of the Wicked:In contrast to the righteous, the verse describes the speech of the wicked as “frowardness.” The “mouth of the wicked” refers to their words, which are characterised by perversity, crookedness, and deceit. Their speech may include lies, slander, gossip, insults, and harmful intentions. The wicked lack understanding of what is acceptable to God and often speak in ways that cause division, pain, and destruction.

Application:Proverbs 10:32 reminds us of the power and importance of our words. As followers of Christ, we are called to be righteous and to use our speech for edification, encouragement, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Our words should reflect our relationship with God and His Word. We should seek wisdom and discernment to know what is acceptable to God and speak accordingly. Our speech should be characterised by truth, love, grace, and humility, avoiding words that promote discord, falsehood, or harm.

• Reflective Questions:
• How does your speech align with the standards of righteousness set by God?
• Do your words promote unity, understanding, and encouragement, or do they cause division and hurt?
• How can you cultivate discernment and understanding to know what is acceptable in your speech?
• What steps can you take to improve the way you communicate and use your words for the glory of God?

Remember, the ultimate goal of studying Proverbs 10:32 is to gain wisdom and apply it to our lives, leading to transformation and growth in our character and relationships.