Proverbs 26:26

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

Whose hatred {H8135} is covered {H3680} by deceit {H4860}, his wickedness {H7451} shall be shewed {H1540} before the whole congregation {H6951}.

His hatred may be concealed by deceit, but his wickedness will be revealed in the assembly.

Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Though hishatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.

Commentary on Proverbs 26:26 (KJV)

The proverb, "Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation," speaks to the ultimate futility of hypocrisy and hidden malice. It describes an individual who harbors deep-seated animosity or ill will but attempts to mask it with a facade of friendship, flattery, or feigned innocence. This verse assures that such hidden wickedness will inevitably come to light, exposed for all to see.

Context

Proverbs chapter 26 focuses heavily on the characteristics and consequences of fools, sluggards, and deceitful individuals. Many verses in this chapter warn against trusting those who speak smoothly but harbor ill intent (e.g., Proverbs 26:24-25). This particular verse serves as a powerful warning to the deceiver and an assurance to those who might be victims of such hidden hatred: truth has a way of being revealed.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Deceit: The verse highlights a person who deliberately conceals their true feelings of hatred behind a deceptive exterior. This isn't just a misunderstanding but a calculated act of pretense.
  • Inevitable Exposure: A core message is that hidden wickedness cannot remain hidden indefinitely. Sooner or later, the truth about a person's character and intentions will be revealed, often publicly. This resonates with the principle that there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed.
  • Public Consequence: The phrase "before the whole congregation" emphasizes the public nature of this exposure. It suggests that the deceiver's true character will be unveiled not just to a few, but to the community, leading to shame and loss of reputation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hatred" is sin'ah (שִׂנְאָה), denoting deep enmity. "Covered" comes from kasah (כָּסָה), meaning to conceal or hide. The term for "deceit" is maskiyth (מַשְׂכִּית), which can mean an image, device, or covering, often implying a false or deceptive appearance, a carefully constructed mask. "Wickedness" is ra'ah (רָעָה), referring to evil or mischief. The phrase "shall be shewed" (תִּגָּלֶה, tigaleh) means to be uncovered or revealed. "Congregation" (קָהָל, qahal) refers to an assembly or public gathering, underscoring the public nature of the revelation.

Practical Application

This proverb serves as a timeless reminder about integrity and the consequences of hypocrisy.

  • For the Individual: It encourages living a life of authenticity and sincerity. Attempting to hide malice or ill will behind a pleasant facade is ultimately self-defeating. True character will always emerge. It calls believers to cultivate genuine love and honesty, as exhorted in Romans 12:9, "Let love be without dissimulation."
  • For the Community: It offers reassurance that justice, whether divine or natural, will eventually prevail. Those who operate with hidden agendas and malicious intent will not escape exposure indefinitely. This fosters a sense of trust in the eventual triumph of truth.

The verse ultimately underscores the principle that what is done in darkness will be brought to light, urging all to walk in transparency and truth.

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.

  • 1 Samuel 18:17

    And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 55:23

    But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

  • 2 Samuel 13:22

    And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

  • 2 Samuel 13:28

    Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

  • 1 Samuel 18:21

    And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

  • Genesis 4:8

    ¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

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