What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:13? Winking his eyes Proverbs 6:13 begins, “He winks with his eyes”. In the context of verses 12-15, the “worthless” man uses this seemingly harmless gesture as a covert signal to fellow troublemakers. • A wink here is not playful; it is a sly cue that deception is underway, just as Psalm 35:19 warns of those who “wink maliciously.” • The same idea appears in Proverbs 10:10: “He who winks the eye causes grief.” The gesture masks evil intent behind an appearance of friendliness. • For the believer, the lesson is transparent honesty—“let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’” (Matthew 5:37)—rejecting any hint of hidden agendas. Speaking with his feet The verse continues, “He signals with his feet”. Ancient Near-Eastern culture recognized subtle foot movements as coded communication, and Scripture often ties feet to one’s moral direction. • Isaiah 59:7 describes the wicked: “Their feet rush into evil.” • Psalm 1:1 counsels avoidance of “the path of sinners,” reminding us that how—and where—we move speaks loudly. • Here, the corrupt man’s feet become tools of manipulation, steering others toward sin while pretending innocence. God calls His people to feet that “bring good news” (Romans 10:15), not feet that plot harm. Pointing with his fingers Finally, the text says he “points with his fingers”. Hand gestures complete the trifecta of secret signals. • Isaiah 58:9 links finger-pointing to malicious talk; it is an outward sign of inward contempt or scheming. • Matthew 7:4 pictures the hypocrite pointing out a speck while ignoring his own plank. • Accusatory or mocking fingers foster discord, the very strife Proverbs 6:14 attributes to this person. The upright, by contrast, “lift up holy hands without anger” (1 Timothy 2:8). Summary Proverbs 6:13 paints a portrait of the covert troublemaker: a wink, a shuffled foot, a pointed finger—small motions that signal big corruption. Each gesture illustrates a heart bent on deceit, contrasting sharply with God’s call to transparent speech, straight paths, and hands used for blessing. In every movement and word, followers of Christ choose integrity over intrigue, becoming living proofs that “truthful lips endure forever” (Proverbs 12:19). |
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