Proverbs 16:29 - Meaning and Application

Here is another kind of evil person described here, so we may avoid acting like them and have nothing to do with them.

First, there are violent people who, like Satan, do all the harm they can by force. They are like roaring lions, not just subtle snakes that work by lies and tricks. These people use robbery and oppression. They close their eyes and think hard about wicked plans, looking for the best way to hurt their neighbor. They want to do it effectively and still stay safe themselves. Then they move their lips, giving orders to those who serve them, and they carry out the evil plan. Some understand the last phrase as “biting his lips” in vexation. When the wicked plots against the righteous, he gnashes his teeth at him.

Second, there are those who, again like Satan, try to lure others into joining their evil work. They lead people into a way that is not good, meaning not honest, not honorable, not safe, and offensive to God. In the end, that path destroys the sinner. In this way, the wicked aim to ruin some people in this life by bringing trouble on them, and others in the life to come by bringing them into sin.