He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

PROVERBS 17:20KJV
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Proverbs 17:20 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 17:20 mean?

Proverbs 17:20 warns that a person with a twisted or dishonest heart will not experience good outcomes, and someone who speaks in a corrupt or deceitful way will end up in trouble. The verse links a person’s inner character and their speech to the consequences they face in life.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, mostly attributed to Solomon, meant to teach practical wisdom to everyday people. Here, the proverb addresses anyone who might be tempted to act or speak dishonestly, making it clear that such behavior leads to negative results. The verse uses strong language to show that both inward attitudes and outward words have real effects on a person’s life.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 17:20

  • "froward" (עִקֵּשׁ, 'iqqesh) means twisted, crooked, or perverse. This word describes someone whose thinking or intentions are not straight or honest, highlighting a deep-seated character issue.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev) refers to the inner self, including thoughts, motives, and desires. The focus is not just on actions but on the underlying attitude.
  • "perverse" (הָפַךְ, haphakh) means to turn, overturn, or pervert. When used of the tongue, it points to speech that distorts truth or causes harm.
  • "mischief" (רָעָה, ra'ah) means evil, trouble, or calamity. The verse is not just talking about minor problems, but real harm that comes from corrupt speech.

Why Proverbs 17:20 matters

  • Proverbs 17:20 clarifies that both a person’s inner life and their words are connected to the outcomes they experience, not just their outward actions.
  • The verse emphasizes that harm and trouble are not random but often the result of a pattern of dishonesty or twisted thinking and speaking.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this verse fits into a larger theme that wisdom and integrity lead to good, while deceit and perversity bring harm, reinforcing the practical value of honest character and speech.

Where else these words appear

“froward” Hebrew H6141 · used in 11 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
  • Psalms 101:4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
  • Proverbs 11:20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

“perverse” Hebrew H2015 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 22:34 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
  • Psalms 105:29 He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.

“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.