He who winks the eye causes griefIn ancient Near Eastern culture, winking the eye was often associated with deceit and malicious intent. It was a non-verbal gesture indicating a secretive or underhanded plan. This phrase suggests that those who engage in deceitful behavior, even through subtle gestures, can cause significant harm and distress to others. The Bible frequently warns against deceit and the harm it brings, as seen in passages like
Psalm 35:19 and
Proverbs 6:12-14, which describe the wicked as those who "wink with their eyes" to plot evil. This behavior contrasts with the integrity and honesty that God desires from His people.
and foolish lips will come to ruin
The Bible consistently emphasizes the power of words and the consequences of foolish speech. In the cultural context of the Proverbs, speech was a reflection of one's character and wisdom. Foolish lips, characterized by lies, slander, or reckless words, lead to personal downfall and destruction. This is echoed inJames 3:5-6, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body that can cause great harm, like a fire. The ruin mentioned here is both personal and communal, as foolish words can damage relationships and reputations. The call is to seek wisdom and speak truth, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who is the embodiment of wisdom and truth (John 14:6).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom, who compiled these sayings to impart practical and moral guidance.
2.
The Wise and the FoolishThe primary subjects of the Proverbs, representing those who follow God's wisdom versus those who reject it.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, emphasizing community living and moral conduct.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Nature of SinWinking the eye symbolizes subtle deceit. In Hebrew, the word for "winks" (qarats) implies a secretive, malicious intent. Christians are called to live transparently and truthfully.
The Consequences of Foolish SpeechThe phrase "foolish lips will come to ruin" warns against careless or deceitful words. The Hebrew word for "foolish" (eviyl) often denotes moral deficiency. Believers should strive for speech that edifies and reflects God's truth.
Integrity in RelationshipsThis proverb underscores the importance of honesty in our interactions. Deceptive actions can cause grief and damage trust, while integrity builds strong, godly relationships.
Guarding the Heart and TongueThe heart's condition often manifests in speech and actions. Christians are encouraged to guard their hearts and tongues, aligning them with God's wisdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:10?
2.How does Proverbs 10:10 warn against deceitful communication in our daily lives?
3.What are the consequences of "winking the eye" according to Proverbs 10:10?
4.How can we practice integrity to avoid "causing grief" in relationships?
5.Which other Proverbs emphasize the importance of honest communication and integrity?
6.How can Proverbs 10:10 guide us in promoting peace within our community?
7.What does Proverbs 10:10 mean by "winking an eye" in a moral context?
8.How does Proverbs 10:10 relate to the concept of integrity in leadership?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 10:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.Does winking lead to problems?
12.Does winking lead to problems?
13.Proverbs 10:3 claims God prevents the righteous from going hungry--how do we reconcile this with starving believers throughout history?
14.Proverbs 9:10 asserts 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.' How does this claim align with secular approaches to wisdom and knowledge that require no fear of a deity?What Does Proverbs 10:10 Mean
He who winks the eye- In Scripture a wink is more than a playful gesture; it signals hidden motives (Proverbs 6:12-13).
- The picture is of someone communicating schemes in secret—an under-the-radar rebellion against righteousness (Psalm 35:19).
- Such covert signaling tempts others to join wrongdoing, eroding trust and unity in the community (Proverbs 16:28).
causes grief- Deception never stays private; it eventually surfaces and wounds everyone involved (Proverbs 17:20).
- Grief lands on both the victim and the perpetrator:
• Victims suffer betrayal (Proverbs 26:24-26).
• The plotter reaps consequences—broken relationships, a tarnished name, and God’s discipline (Galatians 6:7).
- God’s wisdom urges open, honest dealings so “the fruit of righteousness will be peace” (James 3:18).
and foolish lips will come to ruin- The verse shifts from secret gestures to spoken words, reminding us that folly travels by every channel—eyes or lips (Proverbs 10:8).
- Foolish speech is:
• Boastful (Proverbs 27:2)
• Rash (Proverbs 29:20)
• Destructive, like “a scorching fire” (James 3:6).
- Ruin may appear as:
• Loss of credibility (Proverbs 13:3)
• Legal or financial collapse (Proverbs 18:7)
• Ultimate spiritual downfall (Matthew 12:36-37).
summaryProverbs 10:10 warns that hidden deception and open foolish talk both cultivate misery and eventual collapse. God calls His people to transparent hearts and truth-filled speech, for “the integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them” (Proverbs 11:3).
(10)
Causeth sorrowto the person who is the butt of his ridicule, or against whom his malice is directed.
Verse 10. -
He that winketh with theeye (
Proverbs 6:13). This is a sign of craft, malice, and complicity with other wicked comrades. Ecclus. 27:22, "He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil."
Causeth sorrow (
Proverbs 15:13). He causes trouble and vexation by his cunning and secrecy.
A prating fool (as Ver. 8). The two clauses are intended to teach that the garrulous fool is even more certain to bring ruin on himself and others than the crafty plotter. The Septuagint and Syriac have changed the latter clause into a sentence supposed to be more forcibly antithetical, "He who reproveth with boldness maketh peace." But there are sentences not strictly antithetical in this chapter,
e.g. vers. 18, 22 (comp.
Proverbs 11:10).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He who winksקֹ֣רֵֽץ(qō·rêṣ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7169:To pinch, to bite the lips, blink the eyes, to squeeze offthe eyeעַ֭יִן(‘a·yin)Noun - common singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountaincausesיִתֵּ֣ן(yit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setgrief,עַצָּ֑בֶת(‘aṣ·ṣā·ḇeṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6094:A idol, a pain, woundand foolishוֶאֱוִ֥יל(we·’ĕ·wîl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 191:Foolishlipsשְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם(p̄ā·ṯa·yim)Noun - fd
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginwill come to ruin.יִלָּבֵֽט׃(yil·lā·ḇêṭ)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3832:To overthrow, intransposed, to fall
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow (Prov. Pro Pr) 
