Proverbs 10:10 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow. "Winketh-namely, with malicious intent (Proverbs 6:13, note). Feigning kindliness to his neighbour, but all the while giving a secret hint or sign to his accomplices to cheat or rob him.

But a prating fool shall fall - Hebrew, 'a fool in lips' (cf. Proverbs 10:8). The connection of the clauses is, To speak feignedly, and to speak rashly, are both alike dangerous: to do the former hurts others, to do the latter hurts one's self. When we avoid cunning and feigned speaking, we are not to run into the opposite extreme of prating folly.

Proverbs 10:10

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.c