Proverbs 10:18
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that hiding hatred is just as foolish as openly slandering, because both actions mark you as dishonest. The one who conceals their true, hateful feelings reveals themselves to be a person of "lying lips," while the one who speaks ill of others is simply a fool.
This proverb appears within a collection of contrasting sayings, pitting wisdom against foolishness and righteousness against wickedness. It specifically addresses harmful speech, contrasting the deceiver who masks their malice with outward pleasantries against the fool who openly spreads damaging gossip. Both actions, the proverb implies, stem from a corrupted heart and will ultimately lead to destruction.
Ever put on a brave face while boiling inside? This verse calls out that very kind of deception.
This proverb highlights the hypocrisy of "hiding hatred with lying lips." It's about someone who acts friendly, speaks pleasant words, or even claims to forgive, all while harboring deep resentment and ill will. This isn't just a minor flaw; the original language suggests this person is a source of falsehood, their very speech designed to deceive. It's a calculated pretense, masking inner turmoil with outward lies, often waiting for the right moment to strike or simply enjoying the act of deception itself.
Some people just love to talk badly about others. Why does the Bible call them 'fools'?
The second part of the verse contrasts the hidden hatred with outright slander. While the first type of person is a liar, the one who utters slander is called a fool. This isn't just a gentle insult; in the original language, 'fool' here describes someone who is morally senseless, lacking understanding and wisdom. Slandering others—damaging their reputation with false or misleading speech—is seen as profoundly foolish. It brings only trouble and ill will upon the speaker, ultimately harming themselves as much as their target.
Understand the original words
sinah · Hebrew Noun
An intense, malevolent, or hostile feeling directed toward another person, often associated with malice or enmity.
dibbah · Hebrew Noun
False or malicious reports spoken about another person, intended to damage their reputation and sow discord.
keciyth · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks divine wisdom, often characterized by moral dullness, arrogance, and a refusal to learn from God or others.
Jesus calls the Pharisees 'whitewashed tombs' for appearing righteous on the outside while being full of corruption and deceit within, mirroring the 'lying lips' that hide hatred.
Psalm 55:20-21This psalm describes someone who betrays a covenant with smooth words but has malice in their heart, showing the ancient understanding of hidden hatred and deceptive speech.
James 3:1-12The intense focus on the destructive power of the tongue in James highlights how slander and malicious speech, as condemned in Proverbs, are a source of great evil and are foolishly wielded.
Luke 6:45Jesus states that 'the good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil,' connecting outward speech directly to the inner state, just as Proverbs does with hidden hatred and slander.
ellicottProverbs 10:18: "He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool."
(18) He that hideth hatred . . .—This would be more correctly translated, “He that hideth hatred is a mouth of falsehood: he that spreadeth slander is a fool” ( khesîl: Proverbs 1:22 ). (For the construction, “he . . . is a mouth of falsehood,” comp. note on Proverbs 8:30 ; and for the sentiment, David’s complaint, Psalm 41:6 ). Is a fool.—For he does mischief to his neighbour, and only gets ill-…
pulpitProverbs 10:18: "He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool."
Verse 18. - This verse ought to be translated, He that hideth hatred is [a man] of lying lips, and he that uttereth slander is a fool. He who cherishes hatred in the heart must be a liar and a hypocrite, speaking and acting in a way contrary to his real sentiments; if he divulges his slander, he is a stupid fool, injuring his neighbour, and procuring ill will for himself. The LXX. reads, "Just (δ…
This verse highlights that hiding hatred is just as foolish as openly slandering, because both actions mark you as dishonest. The one who conceals their true, hateful feelings reveals themselves to be a person of "lying lips," while the one who speaks ill of others is simply a fool.
This proverb appears within a collection of contrasting sayings, pitting wisdom against foolishness and righteousness against wickedness. It specifically addresses harmful speech, contrasting the deceiver who masks their malice with outward pleasantries against the fool who openly spreads damaging gossip. Both actions, the proverb implies, stem from a corrupted heart and will ultimately lead to destruction.
This proverb appears within a collection of contrasting sayings, pitting wisdom against foolishness and righteousness against wickedness. It specifically addresses harmful speech, contrasting the deceiver who masks their malice with outward pleasantries against the fool who openly spreads damaging gossip. Both actions, the proverb implies, stem from a corrupted heart and will ultimately lead to destruction.
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"The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool." — This verse highlights that hiding hatred is just as foolish as openly slandering, because both actions mark you as dishonest. The one who conceals their true, hateful feelings reveals themselves to…
