משלי, פרק ו׳, פסוק י״ג

A physical and psychological portrait of a scheming individual comes to life through the subtle use of silent body language. Rather than speaking aloud, this person communicates entirely through calculated physical gestures, transmitting negativity, deceit, and mockery without uttering a single syllable.

A complete system of physical cues is employed, with specific actions tailored to different parts of the body. The eyes are used to make deceitful movements and hints [רש״י]. The intensity of these gestures is so pronounced that the continuous shifting almost appears as if the eyes are cracking or breaking under the strain [מצודת ציון]. Similarly, the feet are used to send covert signals, often by rubbing them together [רש״י]. Alternatively, these foot movements act as a form of silent speech, where the individual essentially talks and expresses disdain through their feet as if the motions were actual words [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. Finally, the fingers are used to point and direct attention, actively instructing others in the ways of mockery and malice [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא].

The primary approach among commentators is that these physical maneuvers are tactics for spreading slander and twisting the truth. When open speech is impossible but the desire to defame remains, the individual uses these signals to suggest that things are not as they appear [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. Taking this concept further, these silent hints can even serve as a covert method to incite others toward idol worship [רש״י]. Conversely, another perspective views these gestures as pure expressions of arrogance, heresy, and a profound disrespect for the wise. Refusing to abandon flawed beliefs, the wicked person uses physical mockery to dismiss wise counsel and artificially support their own fragile arguments [אלשיך, אמרי דעת].

Interestingly, these bodily movements are not random but follow a deliberate strategy. One view suggests the choice of gesture depends on the level of secrecy required. If the individual fears detection, the hints remain hidden and confined to the feet. With a bit more boldness, the deceit moves to the eyes, and when there is a desire to make the thought entirely clear, the fingers are used to point openly [עמנואל הרומי]. Another approach sees this process as a steady escalation of mockery. It begins with a subtle wink to a companion, inviting them to secretly join in scorning the words of a wise person. If the companion fails to catch the slight movement, the signals escalate to the more noticeable rubbing of the feet. If that still proves insufficient, the individual abandons subtlety altogether and openly points with their fingers [אלשיך].