Proverbs 26:26

26 He that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.

Proverbs 26:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit
The hatred of whose heart is covered by deceitful words, and strong expressions of love and esteem; so that those to whom they are made are deceived by them. Or, whose "hatred is covered in a waste or desert place" ^F14; it being not seen; as what is done in desert places is not obvious to view, being little frequented; which agrees with what follows, and keeps up the antithesis between the two clauses: Schultens renders it, with a tumultuous noise, with loud and public acclamations; see ( Zechariah 4:7 ) ; his wickedness shall be showed before the [whole] congregation;
in an open court of judicature, where he shall be brought, arraigned, and tried for his wickedness; which, though covertly done, shall be exposed and proved upon him: or before the church of God, where he shall be convicted by the word, and be obliged to acknowledge his sin; and, in a member, be reproved before all, and rejected: or however, at the great day of judgment, before angels and men, when all will be convened together; and where every secret work will be brought, and will be brought to light, and receive its just reward.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 (Nwavmb) "in desolatione", Montanus; "in solitudine", Baynus, Vatablus; "in vastatione", Tigurine version; "in vastitate", Mercerus, Piscator, so Ben Melech.

Proverbs 26:26 In-Context

24 A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.

25 Though enemy intreat thee with a loud voice, consent not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 He that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.

27 He that digs a pit for his neighbour shall fall into it: and he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself.

28 A lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.