Proverbs 26:24-25
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This verse reveals a subtle but dangerous truth: hatred doesn't always shout; it often whispers sweet lies. Someone filled with malice actively masks their true feelings with pleasant words, not just to hide their hatred, but to more effectively plot their deceit.
Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse fits into a section of Proverbs contrasting the genuinely wise and foolish, the righteous and wicked. It immediately follows warnings against responding to fools and precedes descriptions of those who sow discord and those who use flattering words to hide their malice. The focus is on the deceptive nature of those who harbor hidden ill will, pretending kindness while secretly planning harm.
Have you ever been charmed by someone's words, only to feel betrayed later? This verse reveals the tactics of a hidden enemy.
This verse unpacks a dangerous deception: the person who harbors hatred doesn't always show it openly. Instead, they 'dissemble with their lips.' This means they put on a false front, using pleasant words and feigned kindness to hide their true feelings. It's like wearing a mask of friendship to get close and then striking when the other person least expects it. The goal isn't genuine connection, but to lull the unsuspecting into a false sense of security.
What does it mean to 'harbor deceit' and why is it so dangerous?
The second part of the verse, 'and harbors deceit in his heart,' shows that the deceptive words are just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem is deep within. 'Harbors' suggests something carefully kept, hidden away, and nurtured. This isn't accidental dishonesty; it's a deliberate, internal cultivation of treachery. This deceit is stored up, like treasure, to be used strategically against the unsuspecting. It's the inner blueprint for betrayal, waiting for the right moment to be executed.
Understand the original words
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sane · Hebrew Verb
Refers to an attitude of hatred or malice towards others. It is the active opposite of the command to love one's neighbor and is often characterized by bitterness and resentment.
nakar · Hebrew Verb
To conceal, mask, or act in a way that hides one's true intentions or nature. It implies a calculated effort to appear differently than one truly is.
mirmah · Hebrew Noun
The quality of being misleading, dishonest, or treacherous. It is the deliberate attempt to deceive others and is strongly condemned throughout Scripture.
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to something that is truly detestable to God. It highlights things that are morally repulsive and completely incompatible with His holiness, often associated with idolatry or severe social sins.
Jesus calls out the Pharisees for appearing righteous on the outside but being full of hypocrisy and wickedness within, a direct parallel to someone who 'hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart'.
Psalm 55:20-21This psalm describes someone who attacks his friends with smooth words and intentions, mirroring the deceptive speech of someone who harbors hatred.
Romans 16:17-18Paul warns believers about those who create divisions and cause trouble by their teaching, often masking their true divisive intent with smooth talk and kindness, much like the deceit described in Proverbs.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse highlights God's perspective, contrasting with human judgment; God looks at the heart, understanding the hidden deceit that a person's lips might try to disguise.
pooleProverbs 26:24: "He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;"
Dissembleth, or, carrieth himself like another man; pretends love and kindness; which sense seems to agree best both with the next clause of this verse, and with the two following verses,
gillProverbs 26:24: "He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;"
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips,.... He that bears a grudge in his mind, and retains hatred in his heart against any person, hides it all he can, till he has an opportunity of showing it as he would; he pretends a great deal of friendship with his lips, that his hatred might not be known; he would be thought to be a friend, when he is really an enemy; he does not choose as yet to make himself k…
This verse reveals a subtle but dangerous truth: hatred doesn't always shout; it often whispers sweet lies. Someone filled with malice actively masks their true feelings with pleasant words, not just to hide their hatred, but to more effectively plot their deceit.
This verse fits into a section of Proverbs contrasting the genuinely wise and foolish, the righteous and wicked. It immediately follows warnings against responding to fools and precedes descriptions of those who sow discord and those who use flattering words to hide their malice. The focus is on the deceptive nature of those who harbor hidden ill will, pretending kindness while secretly planning harm.
This verse fits into a section of Proverbs contrasting the genuinely wise and foolish, the righteous and wicked. It immediately follows warnings against responding to fools and precedes descriptions of those who sow discord and those who use flattering words to hide their malice. The focus is on the deceptive nature of those who harbor hidden ill will, pretending kindness while secretly planning harm.
"Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;" — This verse reveals a subtle but dangerous truth: hatred doesn't always shout; it often whispers sweet lies. Someone filled with malice actively masks their true feelings with pleasant words, not ju…
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Last reviewed October 2026
