Proverbs 17:4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

A wicked doer A malicious and mischievous man, whose practice and delight it is to bring trouble upon others; giveth heed to false lips Hebrew, שׂפת און, the lip of iniquity, to any wicked counsels or speeches; to false accusations and calumnies, which give him occasion and encouragement to do mischief. And a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue He who accustoms himself to speak what is false and wicked, delights in the like speeches of others. This proverb contains a comparison between an evil-doer and an evil-speaker, and shows their agreement in the same sinful practice of being eager to hear false and wicked speeches.