Proverbs 17:4 Meaning and Explanation
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those bent on wickedness naturally align themselves with falsehood and deceit.
The Context of Proverbs 17:4
Proverbs stresses the power of association and the company we keep.
What Does Proverbs 17:4 Mean?
The verse describes a kind of magnetic attraction: the wicked person listens readily to lies, and the liar lends his ear to malicious speech. This mutual receptivity shows how evil compounds itself. Wrong-minded people find each other and reinforce each other's corruption through conversation.
The implication is that character determines what we hear and believe. A person inclined toward wickedness opens themselves to destructive lies, creating a feedback loop where bad company and bad counsel feed each other, deepening the descent into folly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 17:4
What does Proverbs 17:4 mean?
Those bent on wickedness naturally align themselves with falsehood and deceit.
What is the context of Proverbs 17:4?
Proverbs stresses the power of association and the company we keep.