Proverbs 16:27 Meaning and Explanation
“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A wicked person actively promotes evil; his words are destructive like fire.
The Context of Proverbs 16:27
The proverb describes the characteristic work of a godless, harmful person.
What Does Proverbs 16:27 Mean?
'An ungodly man diggeth up evil'—the person without regard for God actively and deliberately pursues, uncovers, or promotes wickedness. 'Diggeth' suggests intentional effort, as though evil is something buried that must be excavated and brought to light. This is not passive wrongdoing but active campaign to promote harm.
'In his lips there is as a burning fire'—the ungodly man's speech is destructive, consuming, and dangerous like fire. His words burn and damage. This fire is in his lips specifically—his speech is the medium of destruction. Where he speaks, he leaves harm in his wake. The mouth of the wicked man is not neutral but actively destructive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 16:27
What does Proverbs 16:27 mean?
A wicked person actively promotes evil; his words are destructive like fire.
What is the context of Proverbs 16:27?
The proverb describes the characteristic work of a godless, harmful person.