Proverbs 17:4
An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
In context
1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. 4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. 7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 17:4 in the KJV
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; And a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 17:4 in the NIV
A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.