Proverbs 26:23

Modern

Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.

Traditional

Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

Literal

Silver of dross laid over an earthen vessel are burning lips and a heart of evil.

Latin

Quomodo si argento sordido ornare velis vas fictile, sic labia tumentia cum pessimo corde sociata.

Hebrew

English

Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.

People sometimes hide bad intentions with flattery. Eventually, the true hatred of those who speak smoothly will be revealed.

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 22:47–48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.
Luke 11:39
Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.
Proverbs 10:18
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
Matthew 23:27
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity.
Proverbs 25:4
Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.
Ezekiel 33:31
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
2 Samuel 20:9–10
“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.