“An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue” (Proverbs 17:4).
Solomon’s counsel in Proverbs 4:23 provides the explanation for this proverb. Here, it is written: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Why does an evildoer heed false lips?
The answer is simple: Because he does not desire and pursue truth. His focus in life is not to buy the truth and not sell it (Prov. 23:23). Evil people listen with great interest to false lips (i.e., gossip, slander, foolish talk) because this is what their wicked heart and ears desire.
Why does a liar listen closely to a spiteful tongue?
The answer remains: Because he does not desire and pursue truth. His focus in life is not to buy the truth and not sell it (Prov. 23:23). Evil people listen closely to a spiteful tongue, because this is what their wicked heart and lips desire.
Just as a bad tree bears bad fruit (Mat. 7:18), someone with a wicked heart produces an evildoer who gives heed to false lips and a liar who listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.
