Proverbs 26:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Burning {H1814} lips {H8193} and a wicked {H7451} heart {H3820} are like a potsherd {H2789} covered {H6823} with silver {H3701} dross {H5509}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like silver slag overlaid on a clay pot are lips that burn [with friendship] over a hating heart.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Fervent lips and a wicked heart Arelikean earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:23 powerfully exposes the deceptive nature of hypocrisy, likening "burning lips" that conceal a "wicked heart" to a worthless potsherd superficially coated with shiny but impure silver dross. The proverb warns against outward displays of fervor, flattery, or even feigned affection that mask an inner core of malice, deceit, or ill will, urging the discerning reader to look beyond mere words to the true character of the speaker.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26 is a collection of distinct proverbs, many of which focus on the characteristics and dangers of fools, sluggards, and mischievous individuals. This particular verse is nestled within a section (Proverbs 26:20-28) that specifically addresses the perils of deceitful speech, hidden hatred, and the destructive consequences of slander and malice. The preceding verses discuss how strife ceases when a whisperer is gone (Proverbs 26:20) and how contentious people ignite quarrels (Proverbs 26:21), setting the stage for the deeper examination of hidden enmity. The subsequent verse (Proverbs 26:24) directly follows, stating, "He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him," further emphasizing the theme of concealed wickedness, making Proverbs 26:23 a vivid illustration of this broader message. The entire book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life") aims to impart practical wisdom for righteous living, often contrasting the path of the wise with that of the foolish, and consistently highlighting the profound impact of words and the true state of the heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, the spoken word held immense power and significance. Oaths, blessings, and curses were believed to carry real efficacy. Consequently, the integrity of one's speech was paramount. The imagery of silver refining was also well-understood. Metallurgy was a common craft, and people were familiar with the process of heating ore to separate precious metals from impurities (dross). Dross was the worthless byproduct, often appearing shiny or metallic but lacking the purity and value of true silver. A "potsherd" (a broken piece of pottery) was a common, discarded item, symbolizing worthlessness. The combination of these images would have immediately conveyed the idea of something outwardly appealing but inwardly valueless and deceptive. This cultural context underscores the proverb's condemnation of superficiality and its call for genuine character, reflecting a society where reputation and the integrity of one's word were highly valued.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb is rich with several interconnected themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Hypocrisy and Deception**, revealing the stark contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. "Burning lips" can signify passionate, fervent, or even flattering speech, which might appear sincere or loving, but a "wicked heart" betrays the true, corrupt motive beneath. This highlights the danger of words that do not align with genuine intent, a theme echoed in Jesus' condemnation of those who [honor God with their lips but whose hearts are far from Him](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Lip Service vs. Heartfelt Worship"). Secondly, the proverb emphasizes the **Primacy of the Heart**, asserting that true character resides in one's inner being, not merely in verbal expressions. Just as a broken piece of pottery is worthless even if superficially coated with shiny but impure dross, so too are eloquent words meaningless or even harmful when they mask a deceitful or malicious heart. The Bible consistently teaches that the heart is the "wellspring of life" (as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart")), from which all actions and words flow. Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **Discernment**, encouraging listeners to look beyond charming words and evaluate the true nature of a person's character and motives. This wisdom is crucial for avoiding manipulation and building genuine relationships, a vital aspect of the wisdom literature found throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burning (Hebrew, _dâlaq'_):** This word, from a primitive root, means to flame, literally or figuratively. It suggests an intense, fervent, or passionate quality. When applied to "lips," it conveys speech that is hot with emotion, perhaps flattery, zealousness, or even the heat of malice. It implies a strong outward expression that can be deceptive in its intensity.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term is broad, encompassing badness or evil, both natural and moral. It describes something adverse, harmful, or morally corrupt. Here, it characterizes the "heart" as inherently evil, malicious, or ill-willed, standing in stark contrast to the outward "burning" (fervent) appearance of the lips.
* **dross (Hebrew, _çîyg'_):** This word refers to scoria or refuse, specifically the impurities that rise to the surface during the refining of metal, particularly silver. While it might have a superficial shine, it is worthless and discarded. Its use here powerfully illustrates the worthlessness and deceptive appearance of the "silver dross" that covers the "potsherd," mirroring the worthlessness of a wicked heart masked by eloquent or fervent speech.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Burning lips":** This phrase describes speech that is outwardly fervent, passionate, or intense. It can suggest flattery, feigned affection, or even a zealous but insincere declaration. The "burning" quality implies a strong, perhaps even captivating, verbal expression.
* **"and a wicked heart":** This contrasts sharply with the "burning lips." While the lips may express warmth or sincerity, the heart, the seat of true character, motives, and intentions, is described as "wicked," meaning evil, malicious, or corrupt. This highlights the profound disconnect between outward presentation and inner reality.
* **"[are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross":** This is the core of the proverb's powerful simile. A "potsherd" is a broken, worthless piece of earthenware. "Silver dross" is the impurity that separates from silver during refining; it might have a superficial metallic sheen but possesses no value. The comparison reveals that just as a worthless piece of broken pottery cannot be made valuable by a superficial coating of impure, valueless "silver dross," so too, fervent or flattering words cannot conceal or redeem a heart full of wickedness. The outward show is cheap, deceptive, and ultimately worthless.

#### Literary Devices
The proverb employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is a **Simile**, explicitly comparing "burning lips and a wicked heart" to "a potsherd covered with silver dross" using the implied "are like." This comparison is highly effective because it draws on familiar imagery from daily life—a broken, valueless piece of pottery and the discarded impurities from metal refining—to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. There is also strong **Juxtaposition** between the "burning lips" (outward show) and the "wicked heart" (inner reality), highlighting the stark contrast between appearance and truth. The imagery itself is rich with **Symbolism**: "burning lips" symbolize deceptive eloquence or flattery, the "wicked heart" represents inner corruption, the "potsherd" symbolizes worthlessness, and "silver dross" symbolizes superficiality and impurity. This layered imagery creates a vivid and memorable picture of hypocrisy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:23 stands as a profound warning against hypocrisy, a theme deeply woven throughout the biblical narrative. It underscores God's unwavering demand for integrity, emphasizing that true righteousness emanates from the heart, not from superficial displays or eloquent words. The Lord consistently looks beyond outward appearances to the inner person, valuing sincerity and truth above all else. This proverb serves as a divine call to authenticity, reminding us that any attempt to mask inner corruption with outward piety or charming speech is not only futile but an abomination in God's sight. It challenges believers to cultivate a heart that is genuinely devoted to God and others, ensuring that our words are a true reflection of our character and not a deceptive facade.

* [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Honoring God with Lips, Not Heart")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Proverbs 10:18](/proverbs/10-18 "Proverbs 10:18 - Lying Lips Hide Hatred")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 26:23 offers timeless wisdom for both our personal integrity and our discernment of others. For us as speakers, it is a sobering call to examine our hearts and motives. Are our words truly aligned with our inner character, or do we use flattery, feigned enthusiasm, or even pious language to mask selfish desires, resentment, or deceit? True spiritual maturity involves cultivating a heart that is pure and sincere, allowing our words to flow from a place of genuine love and truth, rather than acting as a deceptive covering. For us as listeners, this proverb encourages a healthy, Spirit-led skepticism. We are not to be easily swayed by smooth talk, charismatic presentations, or outwardly impressive declarations alone. Instead, we are called to exercise discernment, observing actions, seeking to understand true motives, and praying for wisdom to see beyond superficial appearances. Genuine relationships, whether in the church, family, or marketplace, are built on sincerity, transparency, and truth, not on deceptive charm or outward show.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "lips" (my words or outward actions) potentially mask a "wicked heart" (unexamined motives, unconfessed sin, or hidden resentment)?**
* **How can I cultivate greater integrity between my inner thoughts and my outward expressions, ensuring my words truly reflect a heart devoted to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to improve my discernment, allowing me to see beyond superficial appearances and evaluate the true character of others' words and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "burning lips" mean in this proverb?**

Answer: "Burning lips" refers to speech that is intense, fervent, or passionate. This can manifest as zealous flattery, overly enthusiastic praise, or even seemingly sincere expressions of affection. The "burning" quality suggests a strong outward display of emotion or conviction. However, in the context of [Proverbs 26:23](/proverbs/26-23 "Proverbs 26:23 - The Hypocrite's Lips"), this outward fervor is deceptive, masking a "wicked heart" and therefore lacks genuine sincerity or good intent.

**Why is "silver dross" used as a comparison for a wicked heart and burning lips?**

Answer: The comparison to "silver dross" is highly illustrative because dross is the worthless impurity that separates from pure silver during the refining process. While it might have a superficial metallic shine, it holds no value and is discarded. A "potsherd" is a broken, worthless piece of pottery. By likening "burning lips and a wicked heart" to a "potsherd covered with silver dross," the proverb powerfully conveys that a person's outwardly charming or fervent words (the shiny dross) are utterly worthless and deceptive when they cover an inner core of malice or corruption (the broken potsherd). The imagery emphasizes the profound lack of genuine value and the deceptive nature of hypocrisy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:23, with its stark condemnation of hypocrisy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb exposes the futility of outward show masking inner depravity, Christ perfectly embodies the seamless unity of pure heart and truthful speech. He is the [Truth incarnate](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), whose words always flowed from a heart perfectly aligned with the Father's will. Unlike those with "burning lips and a wicked heart," Jesus consistently exposed hypocrisy, particularly in His scathing rebukes of the Pharisees, who were masters of outward religious display but inwardly full of corruption (as seen in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He taught that what defiles a person comes from within the heart (as in [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")), not from external practices. Moreover, Christ's sacrifice on the cross addresses the very "wicked heart" that this proverb condemns. Through His atoning work, He offers a new heart and a new spirit (foreshadowed in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), transforming the "potsherd" of our fallen nature into a vessel of honor, cleansed not with worthless dross, but with His precious blood. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering genuine redemption from the very wickedness that the proverb so vividly describes.

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

Luke 22:47

¶ And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Luke 22:48

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Luke 11:39

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Proverbs 10:18

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

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Proverbs 25:4

¶ Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Matthew 23:27

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.