Proverbs 16:27

27 Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil.

Proverbs 16:27 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:27

An ungodly man diggeth up evil
Or "a man of Belial" ^F16, a worthless unprofitable man; a man without a yoke, not obedient to the law of God; such a man digs for sin as for a treasure; nor need he go far for it, he has enough in his own heart, out of the evil treasure of which he brings forth evil things; though he is more solicitious and diligent to search into the sins of others, and dig up them, which have long lain buried; as the Manichees raked up the sins of Austin in his youth; and as the Papists served Beza: but perhaps the evil of mischief is here rather intended, which a wicked man contrives and devises; a ditch he digs for others, though oftentimes he falls into it himself; and so the Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, "digs evils for himself"; not intentionally but eventually; see ( Psalms 7:15 ) ; and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire;
his tongue is a fire, it is set on fire of hell, and it sets on fire the course of nature; and with its lies, calumnies, and detractions, devours and consumer the good names, characters, and credit of men; and deserves no other than sharp arrows of the Almighty, and coals of juniper; even the everlasting fire and flames of hell, ( James 3:6 ) ( Psalms 52:2 Psalms 52:4 ) ( Psalms 120:3 Psalms 120:4 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F16 (leylb vya) "vir Belijahal", Montanus, Tigurine version, Mercerus.

Proverbs 16:27 In-Context

25 What you think is the right road may lead to death.

26 A laborer's appetite makes him work harder, because he wants to satisfy his hunger.

27 Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil.

28 Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.

29 Violent people deceive their friends and lead them to disaster.