Proverbs 16:27 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 16:27 mean?

Proverbs 16:27 describes a person who actively seeks out evil and whose speech can cause serious harm. The verse joins what the person pursues with what the person says, presenting both as ways trouble can spread.

“Diggeth up” pictures someone working to uncover something, as if digging in the ground. The image of fire on the lips then turns attention to speech and its power to burn. The saying follows the picture of a worker driven on by hunger in verse 26.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 16:27

• “ungodly” — בְּלִיַּעַל (beliyyaʿal): The word often describes worthlessness or wickedness. Joined with “man,” it marks the person as one whose conduct is harmful.
• “diggeth up” — כָּרָה (karah): The word can mean to dig or excavate. The picture suggests effort and intent, rather than evil being found by chance.
• “burning” — צָרֶבֶת (tsarevet): The word refers to scorching or burning. It gives the fire image a sense of injury, not merely heat or brightness.

Why Proverbs 16:27 matters

• The verse connects speech with the person’s pursuit of evil. The two halves describe the same “ungodly man,” linking his actions and his words.
• The surrounding sayings place harmful speech among several ways people cause trouble. Verse 28 goes on to describe a person who stirs up conflict and separates close friends.
• The fire is a picture of speech’s effect. The phrase “in his lips” directs attention to what comes from the person’s mouth.