Proverbs 17:4 nasb — An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

NASB

"An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue."

— Proverbs 17:4, NASB

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Proverbs 17 — Context

Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.

A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers.

Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.

Proverbs 17:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Proverbs 17:4 say?

Proverbs 17:4 in the NASB reads: “An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive 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 (NASB): “An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive 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 nasb — An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

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Proverbs 17 — Context

Proverbs 17:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

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