Proverbs 6:12
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A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
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Our proverb reveals naughty and wicked people (6:12-15). Wisdom includes discerning character. We must avoid fools and scorners: we must seek wise and good men (9:7-9; 13:20; 14:7). The world is full of bad people, and wise men will mark and avoid them.
But they will say, "You don't know my heart, so you can't judge me." They say this to hide their hypocrisy and excuse their actions. But we see their hearts clearly. For the froward words of their mouths leak like sewer from their froward hearts (6:14).
Our Lord taught plainly that a wicked mouth proves a wicked heart (Luke 6:45). A pure heart is known by gracious speech (22:11). Good speech does not come from an evil heart, and neither can evil speech come from a good heart. Here is wisdom. Learn it.
Two words in our proverb are not often used, so let us review their English definitions.
Naughty. Characterized by moral badness or wickedness; bad, wrong, blameworthy, improper.
Froward. Disposed to go counter to what is demanded or what is reasonable; perverse, difficult to deal with, hard to please; refractory, ungovernable; bad, evilly-disposed, 'naughty'.
Naughty and wicked people have bad, evil, wrong, and dangerous hearts. They are fools, scorners, and worse. Because we must avoid them, we need to learn to spot them first. Their speech will be contrary, unreasonable, negative, critical, ornery, disrespectful, haughty, harsh, rebellious, and profane. They cannot change it, for their hearts are evil.
Parents, hear and correct such speech in your children. Foolishness and wickedness can be driven out, if you use the rod and reproof early enough (22:6,15; 23:13-14; 29:15).
When you spot such a person, go from him (14:7; 22:10). He will snare your soul, waste your time, and bring contention and trouble. But you need not fear him, for calamities are soon coming to his life: God will destroy him suddenly without remedy (6:15).
Paul prayed for deliverance from them, for he knew that only men with good hearts and faith were his object (II Thess 3:1-2). Lord, let us be such men; let us seek such men.
What is the easiest way to spot a wicked man or woman? Check their police record? Smell for marijuana? Look for tattoos? No, no, no. Listen for a froward mouth.
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