The Winking Eye

Proverbs 10 “The Winking Eye” Have you ever been caught off guard by someone who winks at you? Beware of them!

One can learn much from the eye. The Proverbs author reminds the reader that a winking eye or the shifty eye reveals a scheming person who seeks to move from thinking a terrible deed to executing that deed by signaling the plan to unscrupulous companions. The expression “winks the eye” refers to secret signs or hidden messages sent to an accomplice. As the king, David learned early on how to detect those who were using this hypocritical signal. He was aware of this strategy and prayed: “Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me; Nor let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously.” [Ps 35:19]Solomon also noted this pattern and why he wrote this as wise counsel to his sons and others.

Why do we need to be wary of these patterns? He who winks the eye uses subtle or secretive means. In contrast, he who would be wise is thus forewarned and prepared against this hypocrisy. Those who are wise will learn to identify and avoid those persons.

Beware of these by befriending them so that you are secure in your integrity.