Proverbs 17:4
A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
In context
1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. 2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family. 3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. 4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. 6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. 7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
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.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 17:4 in the ESV
An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.