Proverbs 17:20 - Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

The one with a perverse heart finds no good
A "perverse heart" refers to an inner disposition that is twisted or corrupt, often leading to moral and ethical deviations. In biblical context, the heart is seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. A perverse heart is contrasted with a pure heart, which seeks righteousness and aligns with God's will. The idea that such a heart "finds no good" suggests that those who harbor corruption within themselves are unable to perceive or experience true goodness, which is often associated with God's blessings and favor. This aligns with the biblical principle that one's internal state affects their external experiences (Proverbs 4:23). Theologically, this reflects the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption and transformation through Christ, who offers a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26).

and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble
A "deceitful tongue" indicates speech that is dishonest or misleading. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, integrity in speech was highly valued, as words had the power to build or destroy relationships and communities. The phrase "falls into trouble" implies that deceitful speech ultimately leads to negative consequences, both socially and spiritually. This is consistent with the biblical theme that God detests lying lips but delights in those who are truthful (Proverbs 12:22). The connection between speech and consequence is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the power of words (James 3:5-6). In a broader theological sense, this reflects the need for believers to emulate Christ, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), and to speak in a manner that reflects His character.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address moral and ethical living.

2. Israel
- The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing guidance for living in accordance with God's wisdom.

3. The Wise and the Foolish
- Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who follow God's wisdom with those who reject it.

Teaching Points

Guard Your Heart
The heart is the source of our actions and words. A perverse heart leads to negative outcomes. We must continually seek to align our hearts with God's truth.

The Power of Words
Our words have the power to build up or destroy. A deceitful tongue not only harms others but also brings trouble upon the speaker. We should strive for honesty and integrity in our speech.

Seek Wisdom
Proverbs consistently contrasts the wise and the foolish. Seeking God's wisdom helps us avoid the pitfalls of a perverse heart and deceitful tongue.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your heart and speech. Are they aligned with God's standards? Repentance and prayer are key to transformation.

Community Accountability
Engage with a community of believers who can provide accountability and encouragement in maintaining a pure heart and truthful speech.

(20) He that hath a froward heart, findeth no good.--For he is an abomination to God (Proverbs 11:20), and so gains no blessing from Him.

Verse 20. - He that hath a froward heart findeth no good. (For "froward," see on Proverbs 11:20; for "find good," on Proverbs 16:20.) The perverse, wilful man shall not prosper, shall win no blessing in his worldly matters, much less in spiritual things. Septuagint, "He who is hard of heart meeteth not with good things." He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief; literally, he who turns himself about with his tongue, saying one thing at one time and something quite contrary at another. Vulgate, qui vertit linguam; Septuagint, ἀνὴρ εὐμετάβολος γλώσσῃ, "easily changed in tongue" (comp. Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 10:31, where the word is different). "Mischief" (ra) "is trouble," "calamity," as in Proverbs 13:17. Speaking of the various aspects which words may assume, Cato ('Dist.,' 4:20) says -

"Sermo hominum mores et celat et indicat idem."

"Man's words his character reveal,
But often they his mind conceal? Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The one with a perverse
עִקֶּשׁ־ (‘iq·qeš-)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6141: Twisted, perverted

heart
לֵ֭ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

finds
יִמְצָא־ (yim·ṣā-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

no
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

good,
ט֑וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

and he whose tongue
בִּ֝לְשׁוֹנ֗וֹ (bil·šō·w·nōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3956: The tongue

is deceitful
וְנֶהְפָּ֥ךְ (wə·neh·pāḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert

will fall
יִפּ֥וֹל (yip·pō·wl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

into trouble.
בְּרָעָֽה׃ (bə·rā·‘āh)
Preposition-b | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

Links

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Proverbs 17:20 Biblia Paralela
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Proverbs 17:20 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't (Prov. Pro Pr)