Proverbs 26:23

23 Like silver slag overlaid on a clay pot are lips that burn [with friendship] over a hating heart.

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 embers and wood to fire is a quarrelsome person to kindling strife.
22 A slanderer's words are tasty morsels; they slide right down into the belly.
23 Like silver slag overlaid on a clay pot are lips that burn [with friendship] over a hating heart.
24 He who hates may hide it with his speech; but inside, he harbors deceit.
25 He may speak pleasantly, but don't trust him; for seven abominations are in his heart.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.