Proverbs 17:4 bbe — A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue.

Bible in Basic English

"A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue."

— Proverbs 17:4, Bible in Basic English

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Proverbs 17:4 in Other Translations

2 versions All translations

KJV
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.”
King James Version · Read this chapter in KJV
WEB
“An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.”
World English Bible · Read this chapter in WEB

Proverbs 17 — Context

Better a bit of dry bread in peace, than a house full of feasting and violent behaviour.

A servant who does wisely will have rule over a son causing shame, and will have his part in the heritage among brothers.

The heating-pot is for silver and the oven-fire for gold, but the Lord is the tester of hearts.

A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue.

Whoever makes sport of the poor puts shame on his Maker; and he who is glad because of trouble will not go free from punishment.

Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers.

Fair words are not to be looked for from a foolish man, much less are false lips in a ruler.

Proverbs 17:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Proverbs 17:4 say?

Proverbs 17:4 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue.”

Where is Proverbs 17:4 in the Bible?

Proverbs 17:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 4.

Who wrote Proverbs?

Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.

What is the book of Proverbs about?

Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.

What are the major themes of Proverbs?

Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 17:4.

What translation should I read Proverbs 17:4 in?

Proverbs 17:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

How can I memorize Proverbs 17:4?

Proverbs 17:4 reads (BBE): “A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.

Proverbs 17:4 bbe — A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue.

Read in Another Translation

Proverbs 17:4 in Other Translations

Proverbs 17 — Context

Proverbs 17:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

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