Proverbs 17:20

20 If your heart is twisted, you won't succeed. If your tongue tells lies, you will get into trouble.

Proverbs 17:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:20

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good
Who is of a perverse spirit, meditates and devises evil things; is not ingenuous and sincere, but false and deceitful to God and men: such an one gets no good from either; he obtains not the favour of God, nor a good name, credit, and reputation among men; and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief;
or "that turns himself", or "is turned in his tongue" ^F23; whose tongue is changeable, as the Septuagint and Arabic versions; who sometimes says one thing, and sometimes another, and is not consistent with himself; as well as is contrary to all men: sooner or later he falls into mischief, into a pit, which he himself has dug for others; see ( James 3:6 James 3:8 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 (wnwvlb Kphnw) "qui verterit se", Pagninus; "et verteus se in lingua sua", Montanus; "qui vertitur in lingua sua". Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 17:20 In-Context

18 A man who has little sense agrees to pay what other people owe. It isn't wise to put up money for others.

19 The one who loves to argue loves to sin. The one who builds a high gate is just asking to be destroyed.

20 If your heart is twisted, you won't succeed. If your tongue tells lies, you will get into trouble.

21 It is sad to have a foolish child. The parents of a foolish person have no joy.

22 A cheerful heart makes you healthy. But a broken spirit dries you up.