BibleTools
Proverbs 26:23
Compare all
21 aAs charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife. 
22 The words of a1 talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the1 inmost body. 
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;
25 aWhen1 he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart; 
26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27 aWhoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works aruin. 
Commentaries:
Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?
<< Proverbs 26:22   Proverbs 26:24 >>

What Does Proverbs 26:23 Mean?



Proverbs 26:23-25

Lying lips create a false sense of security and cunningly hide the reality of a deception that will bring loss and pain. Though his voice sounds gracious, the liar is full of countless wickedness. He is particularly wicked by selling himself as a benefactor while intending to do evil. This is the kind of heart involved in financial scams that promise large profits in return for small investment.

John W. Ritenbaugh
The Ninth Commandment

Related Topics: Deception | False Benefactor | False Sense of Security | Financial Scams | Lying Creating a False Sense of Security | Lying Lips



Proverbs 26:23

This verse to the end of the chapter speaks primarily of hypocrisy. Verse 23 describes a person who claims to be a friend yet deceitfully works against another through "clever" language. The lips "glitter," but the heart is false. Silver dross hides the reality of a clay pot just as clever words can hide a corrupt heart.

John W. Ritenbaugh
The Ninth Commandment (1997)

Related Topics: Clever Words | Clever Words Hide Corrupt Heart | Cleverness | Corrupt Heart | Hypocrisy | Ninth Commandment | Silver Dross | Speech | The Ninth Commandment


 
<< Proverbs 26:22   Proverbs 26:24 >>

Join 137,319+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Close
E-mail This Page