A scoundrel is a conniver. He is a selfish person who lives without moral principles and is motivated by the desire to prosper at the expense of others. Scoundrels target the naive.

Proverbs 6:12-15 (NIV) lists three behaviors that can help honest people identify, and avoid, a scoundrel.

Points to build on

1. You can't trust a scoundrel's words because he is always trying to take advantage of others.

Proverbs 6:12 - "A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth..." The scoundrel is hard to pin down with his words. He says one thing, but means another, because he is hiding his true intentions.

2. A scoundrel plots with other scoundrels to cheat and steal.

Proverbs 6:13 - "...who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers..." A scoundrel is always looking for the latest get-rich-quick scheme and teaming up with others like him to "fleece the sheep."

3. Because a scoundrel plots deceit, he creates conflict.

Proverbs 6:14 - "...who plots evil with deceit in his heart--he always stirs up dissension." A scoundrel loves to disrupt relationships and transactions between others as long as he can make a profit. He cares nothing about how a deal damages other people. His only concern is about "winning" the transaction.

Application

Proverbs 6:15 - "Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy."

The scoundrel has a corrupt mouth, plots and schemes, and stirs up conflict and dissension, but these behaviors will eventually lead to his undoing. A wise person identifies and avoids a scoundrel.