23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. 25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
23 Like the glaze
24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; 25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;
23 Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery.
24 Your enemy shakes hands and greets you like an old friend, all the while conniving against you. 25 When he speaks warmly to you, don't believe him for a minute; he's just waiting for the chance to rip you off.
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; 25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart;
23 Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
24 People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they're deceiving you. 25 They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23-25
Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
(Read Proverbs 26:23)
A wicked heart disguising itself, is like a potsherd covered with the dross of silver.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:24-26
(Read Proverbs 26:24-26)
Always distrust when a man speaks fair unless you know him well. Satan, in his temptations, speaks fair, as he did to Eve; but it is madness to give credit to him.