The righteous naturally speak wisdom, but corrupt speech will be judged.
In Proverbs 10:31, Solomon writes, The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, but the perverted tongue will be cut out (v. 31). Once more Solomon shows that speech reveals the condition of the heart. The righteous naturally speak in ways shaped by truth and wisdom.
The word flows suggests abundance and continuity. Wisdom is not dragged out of the righteous person only in rare moments. Because wisdom has shaped the inner life, it comes forth regularly and fittingly. Speech becomes the overflow of a rightly ordered heart.
The perverted tongue, however, speaks what is twisted, false, or corrupt. Solomon says it will be cut out, which is a strong image of judgment. God takes words seriously because words have moral power. Speech that continually bends truth will not be allowed the final word.
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Proverbs 10:31 meaning
In Proverbs 10:31, Solomon writes, The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, but the perverted tongue will be cut out (v. 31). Once more Solomon shows that speech reveals the condition of the heart. The righteous naturally speak in ways shaped by truth and wisdom.
The word flows suggests abundance and continuity. Wisdom is not dragged out of the righteous person only in rare moments. Because wisdom has shaped the inner life, it comes forth regularly and fittingly. Speech becomes the overflow of a rightly ordered heart.
The perverted tongue, however, speaks what is twisted, false, or corrupt. Solomon says it will be cut out, which is a strong image of judgment. God takes words seriously because words have moral power. Speech that continually bends truth will not be allowed the final word.