Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
Shun evil if you will, but that is not enough; you must actively study the methods of duty. Bend your ear to wisdom's sayings, lodge them deep in your heart as commanding principles, and let them remain fixed before your eyes. They are both food and medicine to the soul: the nourishment by which spiritual life is sustained, and the healing by which the whole man is restored.
AI summary
Commenting on Proverbs 4:20-27
Put away from thee a froward mouth,.... A mouth speaking froward and perverse things; things contrary to right reason, to the law of God, and Gospel of Christ; blasphemies against God or men; every thing that is untrue, unchaste, unjust, foolish, and filthy; all swearing, lying, and everything that is repugnant to truth and justice.
a froward mouth--that is, a mouth, or words of ill nature. The Hebrew word differs from that used (Pro 2:15; Pro 3:32). perverse--or, "quarreling." lips--or, "words."