Proverbs 26:23-28

²³ Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are smooth lips with an evil heart.

²⁴ He who hates, dissembles 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 guile, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

²⁷ He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back upon him who starts it rolling.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23-28

Commentary on Proverbs 26:23

(Read Proverbs 26:23)

A wicked heart disguising itself, is like a potsherd covered with the dross of silver.

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.

Commentary on Proverbs 26:27

(Read Proverbs 26:27)

What pains men take to do mischief to others! but it is digging a pit, it is rolling a stone, hard work; and they prepare mischief to themselves.

Commentary on Proverbs 26:28

(Read Proverbs 26:28)

There are two sorts of lies equally detestable. A slandering lie, the mischief of this every body sees. A flattering lie, which secretly works ruin. A wise man will be more afraid of a flatterer than of a slanderer.

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.