Proverbs 16:30

28 A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.

32 He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
KJV
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
WEB
One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
ASV
He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.
DARBY
He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.
BLB
Winking his eyes to devise perversity, pursing his lips, he has accomplished evil.
ÅB
Den som lukker sine øyne for å tenke på svik, og den som kniper sine lepper sammen, han har allerede fullført det onde.
OTB
Den som blunker med øyet planlegger perversitet; den som presser leppene sammen bringer ondt til å skje.
B1930
Den som lukker sine øine for å tenke på svik, og den som kniper sine leber sammen, han har allerede fullført det onde.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Proverbs 6:12–14

    A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,

    Read in context
  • Matthew 13:15

    For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 16:27

    A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 6:10

    Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

    Read in context
  • Matthew 14:7–8

    so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 27:23–26

    “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 10:10

    He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.

    Read in context
  • Micah 7:3

    Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.

    Read in context