What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:30?

Seeing the hidden signals

“He who winks his eye…” (Proverbs 16:30a)

• In Scripture, a wink is not playful but sly, hinting at secret collusion or mockery (Proverbs 10:10; Proverbs 6:12-13; Psalm 35:19).

• The verse warns that evil often presents itself through subtle body language—signals that are easy to overlook yet betray a corrupt heart (Proverbs 26:24-26).

• God’s Word exposes these covert gestures so His people can be alert and discerning (1 John 4:1).

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From signal to scheme

“…devises perversity;” (Proverbs 16:30a)

• The wink moves quickly to calculated plotting. To “devise” is to strategize, premeditate, lay blueprints for sin (Proverbs 6:14; Micah 2:1).

• Perversity twists what is straight. It is deliberate distortion of God’s good design (Isaiah 5:20; James 1:14-15).

• The verse reminds us that sin rarely stays accidental; it grows through thought, rehearsal, and planning (Psalm 36:4).

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Tight-lipped malice

“…he who purses his lips…” (Proverbs 16:30b)

• Pressed lips picture suppressed speech—resentment and scorn kept inside until the moment is right (Proverbs 12:20; Psalm 10:7).

• This silent expression partners with the wink: both appear brief and harmless, yet both carry weighty intent (Proverbs 6:12-13).

• Righteous speech blesses, but the schemer withholds truth to advance evil aims (Ephesians 4:25; Proverbs 10:11).

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The trajectory of the heart

“…is bent on evil.” (Proverbs 16:30b)

• “Bent” reveals direction. The inner compass is already tilted toward wrongdoing (Genesis 6:5; Romans 3:12).

• What starts in the eyes and lips flows from an unyielded heart (Luke 6:45; Proverbs 4:23).

• Scripture calls believers to turn from such a path and fix their gaze upward (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 4:8).

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summary

Proverbs 16:30 exposes how seemingly insignificant gestures—winking eyes, tightened lips—can reveal a heart actively plotting corruption. God unmaskes these tactics so His people recognize and reject them. True wisdom keeps no secret alliance with sin but chooses transparency, integrity, and a heart aligned with the Lord’s righteous ways.