KJV ORIGINAL
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
The words of righteous people produce wisdom, but the twisted tongue will be destroyed.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse teaches that good people speak wisely, while those who speak with evil intent will face consequences.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb was written during Solomon's reign when Israel valued wisdom literature that contrasted righteous and wicked behavior. In ancient Hebrew culture, the tongue and speech were seen as powerful forces that could either build up or destroy communities. The imagery of cutting out the tongue reflects the serious consequences that awaited those who used their words to harm others.
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