A worthless man digs up evilThe term "worthless man" is often used in Scripture to describe someone who is morally corrupt or wicked. In the Hebrew context, this phrase can be linked to the term "Belial," which denotes worthlessness or lawlessness. This aligns with the biblical theme that those who reject God's wisdom and righteousness are often engaged in destructive behavior. The act of "digging up evil" suggests a deliberate and active pursuit of wrongdoing, akin to a farmer who tills the soil to bring forth a crop. This imagery is used to illustrate the intentional and premeditated nature of the actions of such a person. In the broader biblical narrative, this behavior is contrasted with the righteous who seek peace and pursue good (
Psalm 34:14). The idea of "digging" also implies uncovering or bringing to light hidden sins or schemes, which can be seen in the actions of figures like Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for personal gain.
and his speech is like a scorching fire
The comparison of speech to a "scorching fire" highlights the destructive power of words. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, fire was a symbol of both purification and destruction. Here, it emphasizes the latter, illustrating how harmful and damaging words can be. This is consistent with other biblical teachings, such asJames 3:6, which describes the tongue as a fire capable of setting the course of life ablaze. The imagery of fire suggests that the words of a worthless man can spread quickly and cause widespread harm, much like a wildfire. This destructive speech can manifest as gossip, slander, or deceit, all of which are condemned throughout Scripture (Proverbs 6:16-19). The New Testament further warns believers to guard their tongues and use their words to edify and build up others (Ephesians 4:29). The destructive nature of such speech can be seen in the actions of false prophets and teachers who lead others astray, contrasting with the life-giving words of Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Worthless ManIn the context of Proverbs, a "worthless man" refers to someone who lacks moral integrity and is often associated with wickedness and folly. The Hebrew word used here is (belial), which denotes someone who is without value or purpose, often engaging in destructive behavior.
2.
SpeechThe verse highlights the power of speech, comparing it to a "scorching fire." This metaphor emphasizes the destructive potential of words when used maliciously.
3.
EvilThe act of "digging up evil" suggests a deliberate effort to uncover or create trouble, reflecting a heart intent on causing harm.
Teaching Points
The Power of WordsWords have the power to build up or destroy. As believers, we are called to use our speech to edify and encourage others, rather than to harm or tear down.
Guarding the HeartThe root of evil speech is often a heart that harbors bitterness, envy, or malice. We must guard our hearts and seek to cultivate purity and righteousness.
Intentional LivingA "worthless man" is characterized by purposelessness and destructiveness. As Christians, we are called to live intentionally, seeking to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
Accountability for Our WordsWe will be held accountable for our words. It is crucial to be mindful of what we say and to strive for speech that reflects the love and truth of Christ.
Seeking WisdomProverbs consistently emphasizes the value of wisdom. We should seek God's wisdom to guide our speech and actions, ensuring they align with His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:27?
2.How can we guard against becoming a "worthless man" as in Proverbs 16:27?
3.What practical steps prevent "scorching fire" from our words in daily life?
4.How does James 3:6 relate to Proverbs 16:27's warning about speech?
5.In what ways can we use our words to build up, not destroy?
6.How can prayer help control the "scorching fire" of harmful speech?
7.What does Proverbs 16:27 mean by "A worthless man digs up evil"?
8.How does Proverbs 16:27 relate to the concept of sin in Christianity?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 16:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16?
11.What defines a perverse mouth?
12.Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?
13.Proverbs 24:16: How can the wicked be said to 'fall' when many evil rulers throughout history prospered without clear downfall?
14.What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'?What Does Proverbs 16:27 Mean
A worthless man• Solomon begins with a vivid description: “A worthless man” (Proverbs 16:27a).
• “Worthless” points to someone morally empty—compare the “wicked man” ofProverbs 6:12 and the “son of Belial” in1 Samuel 2:12 who cares nothing for the Lord.
• Scripture shows that sin first corrupts character, then conduct (Matthew 15:19;Titus 1:15-16). When a man rejects God’s wisdom, he becomes spiritually unproductive, a danger to those around him.
Digs up evil• The same person “digs up evil” (16:27a). This is intentional, not accidental.
– Picture the act of deliberately unearthing dirt, likeProverbs 26:27 warns about someone who “digs a pit” for others.
–Psalm 52:2-3 depicts a heart that “plots destruction” all day long.
• Evil does not lie dormant; a corrupt heart actively seeks it out, highlighting how sin is willful rebellion (Romans 1:30-32).
• God contrasts this with those who “seek good” and find favor (Proverbs 11:27).
His speech is like a scorching fire• The verse moves from hidden plotting to open expression: “his speech is like a scorching fire” (16:27b).
–James 3:5-6 picks up the image: “the tongue is a fire…setting the course of one’s life on fire.”
–Psalm 57:4 likens harmful words to “sharp swords,” whileProverbs 26:20-21 compares them to coals that ignite strife.
• “Scorching” suggests words that burn relationships, reputations, and peace—destructive, consuming, and painful (Proverbs 15:4; 16:28).
The heart behind the words• Jesus teaches that “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
• A man digging up evil will inevitably speak evil; the flames on his lips reveal the furnace within (Proverbs 10:20; 12:18).
• The verse exposes a cycle: corrupt heart → malicious scheming → fiery speech → wider damage (Galatians 5:15). Only a changed heart can break it (Ezekiel 36:26).
Application for today• Guard your heart: stay rooted in Scripture so nothing worthless takes root (Psalm 119:11;Philippians 4:8).
• Check your words: before speaking, ask if they build up or burn down (Ephesians 4:29;Colossians 4:6).
• Confront evil digging: if you see slander or gossip beginning, lovingly stop it (Proverbs 17:9;Matthew 18:15).
• Reflect Christ: choose words that refresh like “cold water to a weary soul” (Proverbs 25:25) rather than scorch like fire.
summaryProverbs 16:27 paints a sober portrait: a morally empty person intentionally uncovers wickedness and unleashes it through incendiary speech. The verse warns that evil schemes do not stay hidden; they erupt in words that scorch everything in their path. By guarding our hearts and surrendering our tongues to God’s control, we escape the fate of the “worthless man” and instead reflect the grace, truth, and peace of Christ.
(27)
Diggeth up evil.--Digs, as it were, a pit for others by his malicious plottings and slanders (
Psalm 7:15).
In his lips there is as a burning fire.--"Set on fire of hell" (James 3:6).
Verse 27. - This and the three following verses are concerned with the case of the evil man.
An ungodly man - a man of Belial -
diggeth up evil. A man of Belial (
Proverbs 6:12) is a worthless, wicked person, what the French call a
vaurien. Such a one digs a pit for others (
Proverbs 26:27;
Psalm 7:15), devises mischief against his neighbour, plots against him by lying and slandering and overreaching. Wordsworth confines the evil to the man himself; he digs it as treasure in a mine, loves wickedness for its own sake. But analogy is against this interpretation. Septuagint, "A foolish man diggeth evils for himself." So Ecclus. 27:26, "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein." As the gnome says -
Ἡ δὲ κακὴ βουλὴ τῷ βουλεύσαντι κακίστη.And in his lips there is as a burning fire (Proverbs 26:23) His words scorch and injure like a devouring flame.James 3:6, "The tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell." Septuagint, "And upon his lips he treasureth up fire."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A worthlessבְּ֭לִיַּעַל(bə·lî·ya·‘al)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100:Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickednessmanאִ֣ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male persondigs upכֹּרֶ֣ה(kō·reh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3738:To dig, to plot, to bore, openevil,רָעָ֑ה(rā·‘āh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, eviland his speechשְׂ֝פָת֗וֹ(p̄ā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginis like a scorchingצָרָֽבֶת׃(ṣā·rā·ḇeṯ)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 6867:Scab, scar (of a sore)fire.כְּאֵ֣שׁ(kə·’êš)Preposition-k | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784:A fire
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:27 A worthless man devises mischief (Prov. Pro Pr) 
