Proverbs 10:32 Commentary and Bible Study

The Hebrew word translated ‘acceptable’ could also be rendered ‘pleasing’, and the word ‘frowardness’ could be ‘perversity’. The English word froward means ‘wilfully contrary’, ‘difficult to deal with’. The mouth of every man must be aware that its words are going to be scrutinised and tested against the standard of the Lord. It is he that puts us in various situations, and expects us to learn how to speak appropriate words on each occasion. Our words are often our primary response to life and reveal so much about what we are and how much we understand. By a person’s words their character can be read. Words that are acceptable will vary according to what we face: in the presence of temptation to do evil, a firm refusal is required; when faced with suffering, pity and compassion are a right response; when we come before the Lord praise and thanksgiving should be on our lips; when asked to give counsel, wisdom is needed. The believer should be adding to his stock of words all his life, but everything is measured in light of what is acceptable to God and how he will treat our words on the basis of his perfect knowledge of all things.