Proverbs 10:10 is a powerful verse that warns against two specific vices: malicious secret communication and foolish speech.
“He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
Proverbs 10:10
The Malicious Wink
In this context, the “wink” is possibly talking about secret, or other forms of deceitful communication.
It’s a subtle form of deception, where one person conveys a hidden message or intention to another, typically with malicious intent.
Gossip.
Defamation.
Character Assassination
This could involve winking to signal a lie, making a sly gesture to mock someone behind their back, or using other covert means to spread gossip or slander.
Examples of malicious winking leading to harm and grief are abundant throughout history.
A betrayal signaled by a wink could lead to the downfall of a trusted friend or ally.
Gossip and rumors spread secretly can ruin reputations and fracture relationships.
The proverb serves as a clear warning against participating in such underhanded behavior.
Deceit and malice, even when conveyed subtly, are antithetical to wisdom and inevitably cause grief and harm to others.
The Chattering Fool
The second vice addressed in this proverb is that of the “chattering fool.” This refers to someone who speaks excessively and without wisdom, allowing their words to flow unchecked and unfiltered.
Such a person is characterized by a lack of self-control and a disregard for the consequences of their speech.
These types of people are very common. Words are plentiful in the modern day.
The proverb emphasizes the importance of controlling the tongue and speaking prudently.
Words have power, and those who fail to exercise wisdom and restraint in their speech often find themselves suffering the inevitable consequences.
Contrasting the Two Vices
While the malicious wink and the chattering fool may seem like distinct vices, they share a common root: a lack of wisdom.
The malicious wink involves deceitful non-verbal cues, while the chattering fool engages in unrestrained speech, but both stem from a failure to exercise wisdom and discernment.
Moreover, both vices cause harm to others and ultimately bring ruin upon the perpetrator.
The malicious wink sows seeds of mistrust, grief, and division, while the chattering fool’s words can wound, betray, and destroy relationships and reputations.
