Proverbs 10:18

KJV

¶ He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hideth {H3680} hatred {H8135} with lying {H8267} lips {H8193}, and he that uttereth {H3318} a slander {H1681}, is a fool {H3684}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who covers up hate has lips that lie, and anyone who slanders is a fool.

Berean Standard Bible

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

American Standard Version

He that hideth hatred is of lying lips; And he that uttereth a slander is a fool.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:18 powerfully exposes two facets of destructive speech and character: the insidious nature of hypocrisy that conceals animosity behind a facade of pleasant words, and the overt malice of spreading false and damaging reports. Both actions are unequivocally condemned as characteristic of a fool, a person whose moral deficiency and rejection of wisdom lead to self-destructive behavior and harm to others, underscoring the vital connection between integrity of heart and integrity of speech in biblical wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10 marks a significant transition in the book, moving from the extended poetic discourses and parental exhortations of chapters 1-9 to a vast collection of individual, pithy, and often antithetical proverbs. These short, self-contained sayings typically contrast the righteous with the wicked, the wise with the foolish, and the diligent with the lazy, often focusing on the consequences of their actions and words. Proverbs 10:18 fits squarely within this literary framework, presenting a clear contrast between the deceptive and malicious speech of the fool and the implied integrity of the wise. It immediately follows proverbs that discuss the importance of righteous lips and the dangers of perverse speech (e.g., [Proverbs 10:11](/proverbs/10-11 "Proverbs 10:11 - The Mouth of the Righteous"), [Proverbs 10:14](/proverbs/10-14 "Proverbs 10:14 - The Wise Store Up Knowledge")), setting the stage for a direct condemnation of specific forms of verbal sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where the spoken word held immense power and significance. In a society that relied heavily on oral communication, reputation was paramount, and slander could devastate an individual's standing, livelihood, and social acceptance. The concept of "hiding hatred with lying lips" speaks to the pervasive social dynamics of ancient communities, where maintaining outward harmony was often valued, but true character was revealed by the alignment of inner disposition with outer expression. The "fool" in this context is not merely unintelligent but morally bankrupt, someone who actively chooses a path contrary to the established wisdom and divine order, often to their own detriment and the detriment of the community. This understanding of folly is deeply rooted in the covenantal worldview of Israel, where wisdom was ultimately tied to the fear of the Lord and adherence to His righteous ways, as foundational as stated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord").
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 10:18 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **the power of speech**, highlighting how words can either build up or tear down, conceal truth or reveal malice. The verse underscores the **contrast between wisdom and folly**, categorizing deceptive and slanderous communication as definitive marks of foolishness, which is characterized by a rejection of moral truth and divine instruction. It also touches upon the theme of **integrity and hypocrisy**, condemning the duplicity of those whose outward expressions do not align with their inward intentions. This emphasis on internal character manifesting in external actions is a recurring motif, linking the heart's condition to the words that proceed from the mouth, echoing sentiments found in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"). Ultimately, the verse serves as a moral guide, instructing readers on the dangers of destructive communication and the importance of truthful, authentic interaction within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hideth (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This word implies more than simple concealment; it suggests an active effort to cover up or obscure something. In the context of "hatred," it denotes a deliberate act of dissimulation, where animosity is intentionally veiled by words or actions that suggest the opposite. It speaks to a deep level of hypocrisy and deceit, where the true feelings are carefully hidden beneath a polite or even friendly exterior.
* **slander (Hebrew, _dibbâh'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "furtive motion," _dibbâh_ refers to an evil report, defamation, or malicious gossip. It is not merely an untruth, but a damaging falsehood spread with the intent to injure another's reputation or character. This word highlights the destructive nature of verbal attacks that undermine trust and sow discord within a community.
* **fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** In Proverbs, a _kᵉçîyl_ is not merely unintelligent but morally deficient, stubborn, and resistant to wisdom and instruction. This type of fool is characterized by a perverse will, choosing a path contrary to God's ways and leading to ruin. Attributing both hidden hatred and open slander to the _kᵉçîyl_ emphasizes that these actions are not accidental missteps but flow from a deeply flawed character that rejects truth and righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hideth hatred with lying lips":** This clause describes a person who harbors deep animosity or ill-will (hatred) in their heart but actively conceals it by speaking words that are false, deceptive, or insincere. Their outward communication does not reflect their inward disposition. This is a profound form of hypocrisy, where a facade of pleasantness or neutrality masks a malicious intent or deep-seated resentment. It speaks to the danger of duplicity and the erosion of trust in relationships when words are not aligned with truth and genuine feeling.
* **"and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool."**: This second clause identifies another type of destructive speech: the open dissemination of false and damaging reports about another person. "Uttereth" (from _yâtsâʼ_) implies bringing forth or sending out, emphasizing the active spread of the malicious word. "Slander" refers to a defamatory statement intended to harm. The verse then declares that both the one who hides hatred with lies and the one who openly slanders are a "fool" (_kᵉçîyl_). This judgment underscores that such behaviors are not merely social faux pas but are indicative of a fundamental moral and spiritual deficiency, a rejection of wisdom that leads to destructive outcomes for both the speaker and their community.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:18 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, presenting two distinct but related forms of destructive speech—hidden hatred and open slander—and then applying the same judgment ("is a fool") to both. This highlights the common root of folly underlying these different manifestations of verbal sin. The verse also uses **Metonymy**, where "lips" stand in for the speech itself, emphasizing the instrument through which the deception is carried out. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Antithesis** with the concept of wisdom and righteousness, which, by contrast, would involve truthful, open, and constructive communication. The stark labeling of such individuals as a "fool" serves as a form of **Categorization** or **Labeling**, definitively placing these behaviors outside the realm of wise and righteous conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 10:18 stands as a stark warning against the pervasive sin of destructive speech, whether it be the subtle deceit of hypocrisy or the overt malice of slander. Theologically, it underscores the biblical emphasis on the integrity of the heart as the wellspring of all human action, including our words. Jesus Himself taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" ([Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")). This proverb reveals that both hidden animosity and open defamation stem from a heart that is not aligned with God's truth and love. It connects deeply with the broader biblical theme that words are not neutral; they carry immense power for good or for evil, reflecting the speaker's true character and shaping the moral fabric of society. The condemnation of the "fool" reinforces the wisdom tradition's understanding that true wisdom is not merely intellectual capacity but moral discernment and a commitment to righteous living, which includes truthful and edifying communication.

* [Psalm 101:5](/psalms/101-5 "Psalm 101:5 - The King's Oath Against Slander")
* [James 3:8-10](/james/3-8 "James 3:8-10 - The Untamable Tongue")
* [Leviticus 19:16](/leviticus/19-16 "Leviticus 19:16 - Do Not Go About as a Slanderer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:18 serves as a potent mirror, challenging us to honestly examine the state of our hearts and the integrity of our speech. It calls us away from the insidious sin of hypocrisy, where we might outwardly present a pleasant demeanor while inwardly harboring resentment, jealousy, or contempt. Such duplicity not only damages our own souls but also poisons relationships and erodes trust within communities. Furthermore, the proverb unequivocally condemns slander, reminding us of the immense destructive power of words used to defame or spread falsehoods about others. In an age saturated with information and instant communication, the temptation to engage in gossip, character assassination, or the spreading of unverified negative reports is ever-present. This verse urges us to cultivate a spirit of truthfulness, kindness, and integrity in all our verbal interactions, recognizing that our words are a direct reflection of our character and have lasting consequences. True wisdom, as this proverb teaches, is not merely about what we know, but about how we live and, critically, how we speak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be hiding "hatred with lying lips" in my own relationships, perhaps through passive-aggressiveness or insincere compliments?**
* **How vigilant am I in guarding my tongue against the temptation to utter slander or engage in gossip about others?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my words consistently reflect truth, love, and integrity, rather than folly?**

### FAQ
**What does "fool" mean in the context of Proverbs?**

Answer: In the book of Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: _kᵉçîyl_) is not merely someone lacking intelligence or education, but rather a person who is morally deficient, stubborn, and resistant to wisdom, instruction, and the ways of God. This type of fool actively chooses a path contrary to righteousness, often leading to self-destruction and harm to others. They are characterized by their refusal to learn, their impulsive actions, and their disregard for the consequences of their behavior, particularly their words, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

**Why is hiding hatred with lying lips considered as foolish as uttering slander?**

Answer: Both actions are condemned as foolish because they stem from a morally corrupt heart and lead to destructive outcomes, albeit through different means. Hiding hatred with lying lips is a form of profound hypocrisy and deceit. It erodes trust, creates insincere relationships, and prevents genuine reconciliation. Slander, on the other hand, is an overt act of malice that directly harms another's reputation and can cause widespread discord. Both reveal a lack of integrity and a disregard for truth, which are hallmarks of folly in biblical wisdom literature. The proverb implies that both forms of communication are equally antithetical to the character of a wise and righteous person, as discussed throughout [Proverbs 10](/proverbs/10 "Proverbs 10 - Proverbs of Solomon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:18, with its condemnation of hidden hatred and open slander, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb exposes the depths of human folly manifested in deceptive and destructive speech, Jesus perfectly embodied truth, integrity, and love, even in the face of hatred and slander directed at Him. He taught that true defilement comes not from what enters a person, but "out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - What Defiles a Person")). Unlike the fool who hides hatred or utters slander, Jesus never spoke deceitfully or maliciously. His words were always "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), even when confronting sin or injustice. He was the perfect Lamb of God, who, "when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). In Christ, we see the complete antithesis of the fool described in Proverbs 10:18; He is the embodiment of wisdom, whose lips spoke only truth and whose heart harbored no hatred, offering forgiveness even to those who slandered and crucified Him ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to put off the old self characterized by "malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth" ([Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8 - Put Off the Old Self")) and instead to speak truth in love, building up one another in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

2 Samuel 3:27

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

Psalms 15:3

[He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

2 Samuel 13:23

And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which [is] beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

2 Samuel 13:29

And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.