Fools and Sluggards
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. Proverbs 26:24 · Berean Standard Bible
Someone who hates you might be polite and friendly to your face, but they're storing up deception in their heart — planning to hurt you.
You need to be aware that people can pretend to like you while actually harboring ill will. The writer is protecting you from naivety by showing you that speech and intention can be completely disconnected.
Solomon, helping you navigate a world where not everyone is honest about their true feelings.
This theme runs through Scripture — from Judas's betrayal to Absalom's manipulation of his father David. The Bible never promises you that everyone will be genuine, but it does teach you to be wise and discerning.
A person filled with hatred disguises his true feelings with pleasant words, secretly storing up deception to deploy at the opportune moment.
The ancient world knew well the danger of the enemy who smiles. In court politics, tribal negotiations, and commercial dealings, the person who could hide malice behind courteous speech posed an existential threat. This verse alerts the astute listener to watch for the mismatch between speech and behavior—the telltale sign of hidden enmity.
The wisdom teacher, speaking from hard-won observation of human nature in competitive, hierarchical societies where one's enemy might sit across the table with an extended hand.
The proverb echoes forward to Jesus's warnings about false prophets ('they come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves,' Matthew 7:15) and reflects the biblical concern that human sinfulness corrupts our capacity for truthfulness. Only in the eschaton, according to Revelation 21:5, will the new creation be marked by truth unmediated.
22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
23Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.
24A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.
25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
26Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Read all of Proverbs 26 — As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. The proverbs get sharper — and funnier — here.
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