Proverbs 26:24-26

²⁴ Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. ²⁵ Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. ²⁶ Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

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Proverbs 26

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Other Translations of Proverbs 26:24-26

King James Version

²⁴ He that hateth dissembleth dissembleth: or, is known with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; ²⁵ When he speaketh speaketh...: Heb. maketh his voice gracious fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. ²⁶ Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

English Standard Version

²⁴ Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; ²⁵ when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; ²⁶ though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

The Message

²⁴ Your enemy shakes hands and greets you like an old friend, all the while conniving against you. ²⁵ When he speaks warmly to you, don't believe him for a minute; he's just waiting for the chance to rip you off. ²⁶ No matter how cunningly he conceals his malice, eventually his evil will be exposed in public.

New King James Version

²⁴ He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; ²⁵ When 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.

New Living Translation

²⁴ People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they're deceiving you. ²⁵ They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. ²⁶ While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:24-26

Commentary on Proverbs 26:24-26

(Read Proverbs 26:24-26)

Always distrust when a man speaks fair unless you know him well. Satan, in his temptations, speaks fair, as he did to Eve; but it is madness to give credit to him.