Proverbs 26:23

23 Smooth lips and an evil heart are like silver coating on clay.

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 Like adding charcoal to embers or wood to fire, quarrelsome people kindle strife.
22 The words of gossips are like choice snacks; they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Smooth lips and an evil heart are like silver coating on clay.
24 Hateful people mislead with their lips, keeping their deception within.
25 Though they speak graciously, don't believe them, for seven horrible things are in their heart.

Footnotes 1

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