Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 10:31

"The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom; But the perverse tongue shall be cut off." — Proverbs 10:31 (ASV)

Brings forth wisdom. —As the fields bring forth their increase (Deuteronomy 32:13); therefore, words are termed the fruit of the lips (Isaiah 57:19).

The froward tongue. —See above on Proverbs 2:12.

Shall be cut out.— Compare Christ’s warning (Matthew 12:36). Sins of the tongue will be severely judged, because, besides doing mischief to others, they are signs of an evil mind within (Matthew 5:34).