A concise way to remember this verse: deceit and thoughtless words invite harm and lead to downfall.
He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined (Proverbs 10:10). This proverb uses the image of someone who slyly winks, presumably with dishonest or manipulative intent, and contrasts it with foolish talk. The act of winking here implies secret plotting or deceptive behavior that will inevitably stir up strife among others. The second half of the verse warns about a “babbling fool,” suggesting that senseless or incessant speech comes from a lack of wisdom, ultimately leading to harmful outcomes. Both actions—winking deceptively and babbling foolishly—indicate someone intent on stirring up discord or heedless of the effect of their words.
By describing two forms of harmful interactions, He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined (v.10), this proverb points us toward the responsibility we each have to act and speak with integrity. Subtle gestures of deceit can break trust, while reckless words can destroy relationships (James 3:6). The verse’s emphasis demonstrates that neither secret scheming nor uncontrolled speech belongs to a heart that seeks godly wisdom or pursues peace and righteousness.
In the larger context of the book of Proverbs, these contrasting images highlight the difference between people who acknowledge and fear the Lord versus those motivated by selfish or worldly desires (Proverbs 1:7). The one who values wisdom will see through deceit, refuse to participate in it, and exercise restraint with speech, whereas the fool or trickster remains on a path of self-inflicted ruin.
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Proverbs 10:10 meaning
He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined (Proverbs 10:10). This proverb uses the image of someone who slyly winks, presumably with dishonest or manipulative intent, and contrasts it with foolish talk. The act of winking here implies secret plotting or deceptive behavior that will inevitably stir up strife among others. The second half of the verse warns about a “babbling fool,” suggesting that senseless or incessant speech comes from a lack of wisdom, ultimately leading to harmful outcomes. Both actions—winking deceptively and babbling foolishly—indicate someone intent on stirring up discord or heedless of the effect of their words.
By describing two forms of harmful interactions, He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined (v.10), this proverb points us toward the responsibility we each have to act and speak with integrity. Subtle gestures of deceit can break trust, while reckless words can destroy relationships (James 3:6). The verse’s emphasis demonstrates that neither secret scheming nor uncontrolled speech belongs to a heart that seeks godly wisdom or pursues peace and righteousness.
In the larger context of the book of Proverbs, these contrasting images highlight the difference between people who acknowledge and fear the Lord versus those motivated by selfish or worldly desires (Proverbs 1:7). The one who values wisdom will see through deceit, refuse to participate in it, and exercise restraint with speech, whereas the fool or trickster remains on a path of self-inflicted ruin.