Proverbs 26:23

23 Warm words that come from an evil heart are like shiny paint on a clay pot.

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 Coal glows. Wood burns. And a man who argues stirs up fights.

22 The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food. They go deep down inside you.

23 Warm words that come from an evil heart are like shiny paint on a clay pot.

24 Someone who wants to hurt you uses his words to hide his hatred. But his heart is full of lies that cover up his evil plans.

25 What a person says can be charming. But don't believe him. Seven things that God hates can fill that person's heart.