How does Proverbs 6:13 describe the behavior of a deceitful person? The Verse Proverbs 6:13: “He winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and motions with his fingers.” Breaking Down the Verse • Winks with his eyes – Uses sly facial cues to conceal true intentions or signal secret schemes. – Conveys complicity without speaking, reinforcing covert plans (cf. Proverbs 10:10). • Signals with his feet – Shifts or points the feet to direct others’ attention secretly. – Suggests readiness to move toward mischief, hinting at hidden coordination (Psalm 36:4). • Motions with his fingers – Employs subtle hand signs to manipulate situations or people. – Turns ordinary gestures into tools of deception, masking evil under everyday movements (Proverbs 16:27-28). Connecting Scriptures • Proverbs 10:10: “He who winks the eye causes grief…”—reinforces the link between hidden gestures and harm. • Psalm 35:19: “…those who hate me without cause wink maliciously.” • Matthew 12:34-35: A deceitful heart inevitably overflows into outward actions, even if they seem minor. • James 3:6: The smallest members (tongue, gestures) can set the course of a life on fire when guided by evil. What This Shows Us About Deceitful Behavior • Deceit often hides in the ordinary—facial expressions, body language, casual signals. • A corrupt heart leaks into every movement; nothing remains morally neutral when sin rules within (Proverbs 6:14). • The verse calls for vigilance: discern not just words but patterns of conduct that betray hidden motives. Nurturing an Honest Heart • Invite Scripture’s light to expose subtle forms of manipulation (Psalm 139:23-24). • Commit to transparency in speech and action, rejecting even “harmless” gestures that mask truth (Ephesians 4:25). • Seek accountability; trusted believers help identify habits we may overlook (Proverbs 27:17). |