Proverbs 26:23

23 Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an earthen vessel adorned with silver dross.

Proverbs 26:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:23

Burning lips, and a wicked heart
Either burning with wrath and malice; breathing out threatenings and slaughter; pursuing men with reproaches and slanders, arising from a wicked heart: or rather, burning with profession of love to God, and affection to good men; with great pretensions of kindness, and promises of good things, when their hearts are wicked, and they design noticing less; say one thing with their lips, with the greatest show of affection and sincerity, and mean another in their hearts. These [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross:
which at a distance, or to less discerning persons, looks like silver, and is taken for it; when the covering is only dross, and what is within is only a potsherd, Or a piece of an earthen vessel, good for nothing: such are the specious professions and deceitful words, which flow from a wicked heart.

Proverbs 26:23 In-Context

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so an angry man stirreth up strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are as it were simple, but they reach to the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an earthen vessel adorned with silver dross.

24 An enemy is known by his lips, when in his heart he entertaineth deceit.

25 When he shall speak low, trust him not: because there are seven mischiefs in his heart.