Proverbs 26:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;

NIV: Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.

NASB: When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, Because there are seven abominations in his heart.

CSB: When he speaks graciously, don't believe him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart.

NLT: They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.

KJV: When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

NKJV: When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart;

Solomon counsels his readers to reject an evil man's gracious words. So far, this passage referred to those disguising hate and malice with deceptive appearances. This is like a thin glaze on pottery (Proverbs 26:23). Those who hide evil with their words express hate for others (Proverbs 26:24), since their actions are a betrayal. This is the kind of person about whom Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) warns here.

Satan is a master of disguising evil to appear good. It's the way he deceived Eve (Genesis 3:6). We cannot always know who is lying or telling the truth. We also want to be ready to offer forgiveness and grace (Matthew 5:24; 6:14–15). However, when someone has proven deceitful or hateful, it's wise not to trust their words. Even if what they say is "gracious," or attractive, their reputation says otherwise. The "seven abominations" mentioned here might be a reference to the list given in Proverbs 6:16–19.

Proverbs 26:17–28 turns from a focus on laziness to discussion about conflict. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) warns against prying into other people's arguments, gossip, and dishonest speech. He also cautions about the danger of casual lies. How and when a person chooses to speak greatly influences their involvement in conflict.

This chapter includes three main sections. The first repeatedly refers to a "fool," meaning someone lacking godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The second warns against being lazy. The third condemns careless conflict, lying, and warns about those who disguise their hate with words. Several statements in this passage repeat or echo others made in the book of Proverbs.

Chapter 25 introduced another section of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25:1). These were collected by later scribes; the list runs through the end of chapter 29. This chapter covers topics such as foolishness, laziness, and conflict. This echoes principles given in other proverbs.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/6/2024 5:18:08 AM