Proverbs 26:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hateth {H8130} dissembleth {H5234} with his lips {H8193}, and layeth up {H7896} deceit {H4820} within {H7130} him;

Complete Jewish Bible

He who hates may hide it with his speech; but inside, he harbors deceit.

Berean Standard Bible

A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.

American Standard Version

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:24 unmasks the insidious character of an individual who conceals deep-seated animosity behind a facade of pleasant words and feigned goodwill. This proverb serves as a profound warning against those who outwardly appear harmless or even agreeable, while inwardly cultivating a reservoir of malice and premeditated deceit, thereby underscoring the vital importance of spiritual discernment and the destructive nature of hypocrisy in human relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26 is a collection of aphorisms primarily concerned with exposing and warning against various forms of folly and wickedness, particularly focusing on the fool, the sluggard, and the contentious person. Verses 23-28 form a distinct unit within the chapter, specifically addressing the theme of hidden malice and the eventual exposure of deceit. Proverbs 26:24 acts as a foundational statement, introducing the deceptive nature of the one who harbors hatred. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses that illustrate how such concealed wickedness, though artfully hidden, will inevitably come to light, often resulting in self-inflicted harm for the deceiver, as seen in the vivid imagery of a pit dug for others (e.g., [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pit of Deceit")). The overarching message of this section, and indeed the chapter, champions integrity and truthfulness while condemning duplicity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, built on communal trust and covenantal relationships, integrity was not merely a virtue but a societal necessity. Deception and hidden animosity were profound threats to social cohesion and the well-being of the community. Wisdom literature, such as the book of Proverbs, functioned as practical guidance for navigating daily life and discerning trustworthy individuals. The Hebrew concept of the "heart" (*lev*) in this context extends beyond mere emotion to encompass the totality of a person's inner being—their intentions, will, and moral character. Thus, a disjunction between one's "lips" (words) and one's "heart" (inner being) was considered a grave moral failing, a violation of the truthfulness and faithfulness central to God's covenant with His people, a principle echoed in the [Torah's](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") prohibitions against false witness and the [Prophets'](/jeremiah/9-8 "Jeremiah 9:8 - Deceitful Tongues") condemnations of deceitful speech.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"). Primarily, it highlights the theme of **deceit and hypocrisy**, drawing a stark contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. The individual depicted is a master of dissimulation, employing a false front to conceal malevolent intentions. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on **integrity and sincerity**, where God consistently values truth in the inward parts, as expressed in [Psalm 51:6](/psalm/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - Truth in the Inward Being"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **discernment**, urging the wise to look beyond superficial pleasantries to perceive the true character and motives of others. It also touches upon the **danger of unrevealed malice**, suggesting that hatred, though hidden, is actively "laid up" and poses a latent, potent threat, ready to manifest destructively, echoing warnings about the deceitfulness of the human heart found in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hateth (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** From H8130, this word denotes a deep, personal animosity, a strong aversion or enmity. It describes an active, often intense, feeling of ill will towards another, serving as the underlying emotion that the individual described in the proverb seeks to conceal.
* **Dissembleth (Hebrew, _nâkar'_):** From H5234, this primitive root means "to scrutinize," but also "to dissimulate (as if ignorant or disowning)." It implies a deliberate act of feigning, pretending, or acting as a stranger to one's true feelings or intentions. It is a calculated effort to conceal one's true identity or motives, often by adopting a false demeanor or using misleading words.
* **Deceit (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** From H4820, this term derives from a root meaning "to deceive." It denotes fraud, craft, guile, or treachery. It speaks to a deliberate intention to mislead, trick, or betray, emphasizing the malicious and manipulative nature of the hidden agenda.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hateth dissembleth with his lips":** This first clause introduces the subject as an individual consumed by hatred, yet one who deliberately conceals this animosity through their speech. The act of "dissembling" (acting as if a stranger to their true feelings) is performed "with his lips," indicating that their words are a carefully constructed facade. They speak smoothly, perhaps even flatteringly or agreeably, to mask the underlying ill will, highlighting the deceptive nature of outward appearance and the calculated effort to mislead.
* **"and layeth up deceit within him":** This second clause reveals the internal reality behind the external pretense. The hatred is not merely suppressed but is accompanied by "deceit" that is actively "laid up" or stored within the person's "inward parts" (Hebrew: *qereb*, referring to the heart or core being). This implies premeditation and a readiness to employ treachery when the opportunity arises. The deceit is an internal reservoir of malicious intent, a deliberate cultivation of guile that utterly contradicts their outward expressions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Irony**. There is a stark contrast between the outward expression ("dissembleth with his lips") and the inward reality ("layeth up deceit within him"). The lips, typically instruments of truth and communication, become tools of deception, creating an ironic situation where words are used to conceal rather than reveal. The phrase "layeth up deceit" also uses **Metaphor**, presenting deceit as something tangible that can be stored or accumulated, much like treasure or provisions. This vivid imagery underscores the deliberate and cultivated nature of the hidden malice, making it a potent and dangerous force within the individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:24 speaks profoundly to the biblical understanding of the human heart and the pervasive nature of sin. It reveals that true wickedness is not merely an external action but originates from the inner being, a concept echoed throughout Scripture. God, who sees beyond outward appearances and discerns the very thoughts and intentions of the heart, finds hidden malice and hypocrisy particularly odious. This proverb underscores the importance of integrity, where one's words and intentions are in perfect alignment, reflecting a character rooted in truth rather than duplicity. It serves as a call for spiritual discernment, reminding believers that not all who speak pleasantly harbor good intentions, and that true wisdom involves perceiving the underlying motives of the heart.

* [Psalm 12:2](/psalm/12-2 "Psalm 12:2 - Deceitful Lips")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - Out of the Heart")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Love Without Hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb challenges us to cultivate both discernment and integrity in our lives. In a world often characterized by superficiality and hidden agendas, Proverbs 26:24 urges us to look beyond the surface of smooth words and charming facades. We are called to develop spiritual discernment, relying on the Holy Spirit to help us perceive the true intentions of others, recognizing that not everyone who speaks kindly harbors genuine goodwill. Simultaneously, it serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination. Do we, perhaps unknowingly or intentionally, harbor resentment, bitterness, or hatred while presenting a pleasant outward demeanor? The "deceit within" is a dangerous internal poison, not only harming others but also corrupting our own souls. True wisdom and spiritual health demand that we confront and confess any hidden animosity, striving for a heart that is congruent with our words, living in transparent integrity before God and others. This involves a commitment to truthfulness, not just in speech, but in the very core of our being, allowing God to purify our hearts from all guile and malice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize hidden malice in others without becoming cynical or suspicious?**
* **In what areas of my own life might I be "dissembling with my lips" or "laying up deceit within me"?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my outward expressions align with my inward intentions, fostering true integrity?**
* **How does the awareness of God's knowledge of the heart impact my desire to live with greater sincerity?**

### FAQ
**Why is hidden hatred more dangerous than open hatred?**

Answer: Hidden hatred, as described in Proverbs 26:24, is often more dangerous precisely because it is concealed by "dissembling lips" and "deceit within." Open hatred, while destructive, is at least identifiable, allowing others to protect themselves or address the conflict directly. Hidden hatred, however, operates insidiously. The individual feigns goodwill, building a false sense of trust, which makes them much more capable of betrayal or inflicting harm when least expected. This duplicity allows malice to fester and be "laid up," indicating a premeditated and calculated intent to deceive and potentially harm, making it a profound threat to genuine relationships and community trust. It aligns with the warning in [Proverbs 10:18](/proverbs/10-18 "Proverbs 10:18 - Hidden Hatred and Lying Lips") that "He that hideth hatred with lying lips... is a fool," highlighting the destructive nature of such deceit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:24, with its stark portrayal of hidden hatred and dissimulation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb exposes the deceitful heart of fallen humanity, Christ perfectly embodies integrity, truth, and genuine love. He never "dissembled with His lips" but spoke with divine authority and unwavering truth, even when it led to opposition (e.g., [John 8:45](/john/8-45 "John 8:45 - Jesus Speaks Truth")). Unlike those who "lay up deceit within them," Jesus's heart was pure, without guile, and perfectly aligned with the will of the Father (e.g., [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). His life was a transparent revelation of God's love, even towards His enemies, demonstrating a radical alternative to hidden malice. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the very root of the problem identified in this proverb: the deceitful and desperately wicked human heart (e.g., [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")). Through His death and resurrection, He offers transformation for those who repent, cleansing them from inner malice and enabling them to live with integrity and genuine love, empowered by the Holy Spirit to have the law written on their hearts, not just their lips (e.g., [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate answer to the problem of hidden hatred and deceit, both as the perfect example of truth and as the source of heart transformation.

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 12:20

¶ Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy.

Proverbs 10:18

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

Psalms 41:6

And if he come to see [me], he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].

Proverbs 12:5

¶ The thoughts of the righteous [are] right: [but] the counsels of the wicked [are] deceit.

Proverbs 11:1

¶ A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.

Proverbs 14:8

¶ The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.

Proverbs 12:17

¶ [He that] speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.