The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

PROVERBS 10:31KJV
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Proverbs 10:31 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:31 mean?

Proverbs 10:31 says that people who are upright and fair-minded speak words that help others become wiser, while those who speak in twisted or harmful ways will eventually be silenced. The verse draws a sharp line between the lasting value of wise speech and the eventual downfall of corrupt talk.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are presented as practical wisdom from a teacher (traditionally Solomon) to anyone seeking to live well. The verse uses strong imagery to show that the words of a just person have a positive, lasting effect, while a "froward" (crooked or perverse) tongue leads to ruin. This fits the larger theme of Proverbs 10, which contrasts the outcomes of wise and foolish living.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:31

  • "just" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word means someone who is righteous or upright in character. The verse highlights that wisdom comes from people who are genuinely fair and good, not just anyone.
  • "froward" (תַּהְפֻּכוֹת, tahpukhot): This word describes something twisted, perverse, or morally crooked. The verse warns that speech coming from a twisted heart will not last.
  • "cut out" (כָּרַת, karat): This verb means to cut off or remove. The image is strong—harmful speech will be decisively ended, not just ignored.

Why Proverbs 10:31 matters

  • Proverbs 10:31 clarifies that wise words are not just about intelligence but about character; wisdom flows from a just life, not just cleverness.
  • The verse warns that destructive or corrupt speech has consequences, reinforcing the idea that words reveal and shape a person’s destiny.
  • This proverb fits into a larger pattern in Proverbs 10, where each saying draws a contrast between the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, helping the reader see the real-world results of their choices.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Hebrew H5107 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 62:10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
  • Psalms 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
  • Zechariah 9:17 For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

“froward” Hebrew H8419 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
  • Proverbs 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
  • Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

“tongue” Hebrew H3956 · used in 115 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
  • Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

“wisdom” Hebrew H2451 · used in 141 verses

  • Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Job 28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
  • Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.