Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

When he speaketh {H6963} fair {H2603}, believe {H539} him not: for there are seven {H7651} abominations {H8441} in his heart {H3820}.

He may speak pleasantly, but don't trust him; for seven abominations are in his heart.

When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.

When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart:

Commentary on Proverbs 26:25 (KJV)

Proverbs 26:25 issues a sharp warning about deceitful individuals, urging the reader to exercise extreme caution when encountering someone who speaks with flattery or smooth words, because their outward pleasantness hides deep-seated malice. This verse is a crucial piece of wisdom for discerning character and protecting oneself from manipulation.

Context

This proverb is part of a larger section in the Book of Proverbs (chapters 25-29) that contains various sayings attributed to Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah. This collection often focuses on practical wisdom for daily living, including advice on how to interact with different types of people: fools, sluggards, liars, and the proud. Proverbs 26 specifically addresses various aspects of foolishness and deceit, making this verse a direct caution against hidden treachery, an important theme in biblical wisdom literature.

Key Themes

  • Discernment and Prudence: The verse strongly advises against naive trust. It emphasizes the need to look beyond superficial words and actions to understand a person's true intentions. This is a call for spiritual and practical discernment.
  • The Deceptive Heart: The core message is the stark contrast between outward appearance ("speaketh fair") and inner reality ("seven abominations in his heart"). This highlights the biblical understanding that the heart is often the source of evil intentions, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, which states, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked."
  • Hidden Malice: The "seven abominations" signify a complete and pervasive wickedness. This person's pleasant words are merely a mask for deep-seated ill will or treacherous plans. The danger lies in the concealment of this evil.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seven abominations" (Hebrew: sheva to'evot) is a powerful idiom. "Seven" in Hebrew culture often denotes completeness or perfection, not necessarily a literal count. Therefore, "seven abominations" signifies a heart utterly full of wickedness or malice, not just seven specific evils. It's a way of saying their heart is completely given over to things God detests. The word "abomination" (to'evah) itself is very strong, frequently used in the Old Testament to describe things that are morally repugnant or detestable to God, such as idolatry or perversion. This phrase paints a vivid picture of a soul saturated with evil intent, despite any outward charm.

Related Scriptures

This proverb echoes warnings found elsewhere in Scripture about false appearances and the need for discernment. For instance, Jesus warned to "beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15). Similarly, Psalm 12:2-3 speaks of those who "speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak." The concept of "seven abominations" is also paralleled in Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists seven specific things that the Lord hates, further emphasizing the depth of such a person's inner corruption.

Practical Application

In our daily lives, Proverbs 26:25 serves as a vital reminder to be discerning in our relationships. It teaches us not to be swayed solely by smooth talk, flattery, or charming words, especially when they are not consistent with a person's character, past actions, or the fruit of their lives. Whether in personal friendships, business dealings, or even in evaluating public figures or spiritual leaders, this verse encourages us to look for integrity and consistency. A person's true character is revealed not just by what they say, but by what they do and the genuine intentions of their heart. It's a call to wisdom and prudence, not cynicism, but a healthy caution that protects us from manipulation and harm.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 6:16

    These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:

  • Proverbs 6:19

    A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

  • Jeremiah 12:6

    For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

  • Psalms 28:3

    Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.

  • Matthew 24:23

    Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.

  • Jeremiah 9:2

    Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they [be] all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

  • Jeremiah 9:8

    Their tongue [is as] an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: [one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

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