Words have the capacity to grant life or conceal harm.
Solomon, who reigned as king of Israel from around 970 BC to 931 BC, shares a profound observation in “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (v.11). This principle pictures speech as a gushing source of refreshment or, in contrast, a destructive force waiting to do harm. In ancient Israelite culture, water was a vital resource in dry environments—so comparing righteous words to a “fountain of life” highlights how positive words can revive and sustain those who hear them. The power of words is deeply rooted in Old Testament wisdom, as the tongue can bring wholeness and healing, or it can hide malice and deceit.
When Proverbs says “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (v.11), it emphasizes the life-giving influence of constructive conversation. This concept finds harmony with other scriptural themes that illustrate the power of self-control in speech (James 3:9-10). By speaking words that align with God’s truth—encouragement, comfort, and mercy—believers can bear a resemblance to Christ, who described the Spirit’s work in the soul as “rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Words that strengthen and inspire become a recurring blessing to all who encounter them, much like fresh water sustaining a weary traveler in the desert.
Conversely, “the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (v.11) points to harm hidden below the surface of insincere speech. Just as a polluted well seems harmless at first glance yet causes illness, destructive words that are cloaked in pretense can damage relationships and distort truth. Proverbs frequently notes that hidden malice will eventually lead to broken trust and conflict (Proverbs 18:21). God’s people receive the call to guard their lips, ensuring their words reflect the purity and wisdom that cultivates peace rather than the hidden seeds of discord.
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Proverbs 10:11 meaning
Solomon, who reigned as king of Israel from around 970 BC to 931 BC, shares a profound observation in “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (v.11). This principle pictures speech as a gushing source of refreshment or, in contrast, a destructive force waiting to do harm. In ancient Israelite culture, water was a vital resource in dry environments—so comparing righteous words to a “fountain of life” highlights how positive words can revive and sustain those who hear them. The power of words is deeply rooted in Old Testament wisdom, as the tongue can bring wholeness and healing, or it can hide malice and deceit.
When Proverbs says “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (v.11), it emphasizes the life-giving influence of constructive conversation. This concept finds harmony with other scriptural themes that illustrate the power of self-control in speech (James 3:9-10). By speaking words that align with God’s truth—encouragement, comfort, and mercy—believers can bear a resemblance to Christ, who described the Spirit’s work in the soul as “rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Words that strengthen and inspire become a recurring blessing to all who encounter them, much like fresh water sustaining a weary traveler in the desert.
Conversely, “the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (v.11) points to harm hidden below the surface of insincere speech. Just as a polluted well seems harmless at first glance yet causes illness, destructive words that are cloaked in pretense can damage relationships and distort truth. Proverbs frequently notes that hidden malice will eventually lead to broken trust and conflict (Proverbs 18:21). God’s people receive the call to guard their lips, ensuring their words reflect the purity and wisdom that cultivates peace rather than the hidden seeds of discord.