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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 26:28.
There are two sorts of lies equally detestable: - 1. A slandering lie, which avowedly hates those it is spoken of: A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; it afflicts them by calumnies and reproaches because it hates them, and can thus smite them secretly where they are without defence; and it hates them because it has afflicted them and made them its enemies. The mischief of this is open and obvious; it afflicts, it hates, and owns it, and every body sees it. 2. A flattering lie, which secretly works the ruin of those it is spoken to. In the former the mischief is plain, and men guard against it as well as they can, but in this it is little suspected, and men betray themselves by being credulous of their own praises and the compliments that are passed upon them. A wise man therefore will be more afraid of a flatterer that kisses and kills than of a slanderer that proclaims war.
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Summary
Proverbs 26:28 incisively exposes the inherent malevolence and destructive consequences of two distinct forms of deceptive speech: the outright lie and manipulative flattery. It reveals that a lying tongue often harbors deep-seated animosity toward those it has harmed, while a flattering mouth, despite its seemingly benign facade, invariably orchestrates downfall and devastation. This proverb serves as a profound warning against all insincere communication, underscoring the severe spiritual, relational, and societal damage it inflicts.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 26 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter is a concentrated collection of wisdom on various facets of foolishness, idleness, and, significantly, the dangers of deceptive speech. The chapter frequently employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting wise and foolish behaviors and their outcomes. Verse 28, with its two parallel clauses, fits this pattern by highlighting two distinct but equally pernicious forms of harmful communication and their respective destructive natures. It builds upon the broader wisdom tradition found throughout Proverbs that emphasizes the immense power of words, echoing sentiments like "death and life are in the power of the tongue" found in Proverbs 18:21 and condemning falsehoods as an abomination to the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 12:22.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, an oral culture, spoken words carried immense weight and authority. Reputation, legal justice, and social cohesion were profoundly dependent on the integrity of verbal communication. Deceitful speech, whether in the form of false witness in legal proceedings or manipulative flattery in social interactions, had the power to dismantle trust, foster injustice, and unravel the very fabric of community. The wisdom literature, including the book of Proverbs, frequently addresses the perils of the tongue because its impact was immediate and far-reaching in a society where written records were less common for daily interactions. Furthermore, the concept of "afflicted" (Hebrew: dak) in the first clause resonates with the societal vulnerability of the poor, marginalized, and defenseless, who were often the targets of exploitation and deceit by those seeking advantage or power.
Key Themes
This proverb significantly contributes to the overarching biblical themes of wisdom versus folly, the transformative power of words, and the nature of true righteousness. It underscores that genuine wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but also involves speaking truth with unwavering integrity. The proverb highlights the malice inherent in deceit, suggesting that lying is not merely an error but often springs from a deeper animosity or contempt for the victim, a concept seen in other biblical passages that link deceit to profound wickedness, such as Psalm 52:2-4. It also exposes the insidious nature of flattery, revealing it not as genuine praise but as a manipulative tool designed to achieve selfish ends, ultimately leading to "ruin" for both the flatterer and the flattered. This theme is further developed in Proverbs 29:5, which warns that a man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. Ultimately, Proverbs 26:28 champions the pursuit of truth and integrity in communication as foundational to a life aligned with divine wisdom and righteousness, contrasting sharply with the destructive path of deceit.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root shaqar, meaning "to lie, deceive, deal falsely." This term denotes an untruth, falsehood, or sham, implying a deliberate misrepresentation of reality. In this context, it emphasizes the inherent deceitfulness and lack of integrity associated with the tongue that speaks it.
From the root chalaq, meaning "to be smooth." This word describes speech that is smooth, slick, or insincere. It refers to praise or commendation given with an ulterior motive, designed to manipulate or deceive, rather than expressing genuine admiration.
From the root dachah, meaning "to push, thrust, overthrow." This term signifies an overthrow, downfall, or destruction. It vividly portrays the ultimate, devastating consequence of manipulative flattery, whether it leads to the moral or practical downfall of the flattered individual, or the unraveling of relationships and schemes initiated by the flatterer.
Verse Breakdown
"A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it"
This clause delves into the dark psychological and spiritual dimension of deceit. The "lying tongue" (Hebrew: lâshôwn sheqer) is not merely an instrument of falsehood but is imbued with an active hatred (Hebrew: sânêʼ) towards those it has already harmed or intends to harm. This suggests that the act of lying often stems from, or generates, a deep-seated contempt for the victim, perhaps as a means of self-justification, a refusal to acknowledge the wrong committed, or a desire to further exploit. The liar, rather than experiencing remorse, may develop an aversion to the very people they have wronged, intensifying their malice and perpetuating the cycle of harm.
"and a flattering mouth worketh ruin"
This second clause exposes the deceptive nature and destructive outcome of flattery. While flattery might appear harmless or even positive on the surface, the Hebrew term châlâq ("smooth") implies insincerity and manipulation. Such a "smooth mouth" (Hebrew: peh châlâq) does not genuinely praise but rather "works" (Hebrew: ʻâsâh, "to do or make") to bring about "ruin" (Hebrew: midcheh, "overthrow"). This ruin can manifest in various ways: leading the flattered person into pride, poor judgment, or a false sense of security; or enabling the flatterer to achieve selfish, destructive aims at the expense of others. The seemingly pleasant words ultimately lead to devastating consequences for all involved.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 26:28 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Personification is prominently featured, as "a lying tongue" is said to "hate" and "a flattering mouth" is described as "working ruin." This attribution of agency and intention to inanimate body parts (tongue, mouth) powerfully emphasizes that words are not neutral but are direct extensions of the speaker's character, motives, and moral disposition. The proverb also utilizes parallelism, specifically a form of synthetic or constructive parallelism, where the second clause expands upon or complements the thought of the first, presenting two distinct but equally destructive facets of deceitful communication. The use of strong, active verbs like "hateth" and "worketh ruin" creates vivid imagery, painting a clear and disturbing picture of the active, malevolent nature of such speech. Furthermore, the proverb functions as a metonymy, where "tongue" and "mouth" stand in for the entire person and their moral character, highlighting that the words spoken are a direct and undeniable reflection of the heart's true condition.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 26:28 profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on truthfulness as a divine attribute and a foundational requirement for human integrity and righteousness. God Himself is characterized as utterly truthful and faithful (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4), and His word is the very essence of truth (e.g., Psalm 119:160). Therefore, lying and flattery, as deliberate forms of untruth, are antithetical to God's nature and inherently destructive to His created order and the relationships within it. The proverb reveals that deceit is not merely a social misstep but a profound moral failing rooted in malice and leading to ruin, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with divine wisdom. It connects deeply to the broader biblical narrative of the fall, where deception was the initial tool of sin, and continues to be a primary weapon of spiritual warfare against humanity, distorting reality and eroding trust.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 26:28 offers profound and timeless practical guidance for both our own speech and our discernment of others' words. It compels us to engage in a rigorous self-examination of the motivations behind our communication: Do we consistently speak truth, even when it is difficult or inconvenient, or do we resort to falsehoods to escape consequences, or flattery to manipulate situations or individuals? The proverb challenges us to cultivate a heart of unwavering integrity, recognizing that true wisdom demands honesty and sincerity in all interactions. It serves as a potent warning against the subtle yet pervasive dangers of flattery, which, though appearing benign or even complimentary, can be as destructive as outright lies, fostering pride and delusion in the recipient while serving the selfish agenda of the speaker. For those who listen, the verse calls for spiritual discernment, urging us to look beyond the surface of words and carefully evaluate the true intent and potential consequences of what is being said to us or about others. In a world saturated with misinformation, superficial praise, and manipulative rhetoric, this proverb calls us to value authentic truth and genuine relationships, building trust through transparent, sincere, and edifying communication.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does the proverb imply that all flattery is bad, or only flattery with malicious intent?
The proverb, particularly through the Hebrew word châlâq (smooth), strongly implies that the flattery it condemns is insincere and manipulative, given with an ulterior motive rather than genuine admiration. While sincere praise and encouragement are encouraged elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Philippians 4:8), the "flattering mouth" in this proverb is inherently deceptive, designed to "work ruin" by misleading, exploiting, or gaining an unfair advantage. It is the underlying intent and the ultimate outcome—ruin—that define its negative character and distinguish it from genuine, heartfelt commendation.
Why does a "lying tongue" hate those it afflicts? Doesn't it just want to avoid consequences?
The proverb suggests a deeper psychological and spiritual dynamic at play beyond mere self-preservation. While avoiding consequences might be an initial motivation for lying, the phrase "hateth those that are afflicted by it" implies that the act of lying can breed contempt or animosity towards the victim. This hatred might arise from a need to justify the lie, to suppress guilt, or to further exploit the victim, dehumanizing them in the process. It reveals that deceit is not a neutral act but often stems from, or leads to, a hardening of the heart and a malevolent disposition towards those who are wronged, reinforcing the idea that the liar's character is deeply flawed, as seen in passages like Psalm 10:7 which describes the wicked whose mouth is full of cursing and deceit.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 26:28 finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns against the ruin brought by lying and flattery, Jesus is the very embodiment of truth, integrity, and authentic love. He is not merely a speaker of truth but "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and His words were always pure, without deceit, manipulation, or hidden agenda. Unlike the "lying tongue" that hates those it afflicts, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, bore the affliction of humanity out of profound love, not hatred, taking upon Himself the devastating consequences of our sin and deception. He consistently exposed the hypocrisy and manipulative flattery of the religious leaders of His day, calling them out for their "smooth words" that masked malicious intent and led people astray (e.g., Matthew 23:27-28). Furthermore, while a "flattering mouth worketh ruin," Jesus's words bring life, healing, and eternal restoration, never destruction. His "gracious words" (as noted in Luke 4:22) were spoken with divine authority and genuine love, leading people to salvation and abundant life rather than ruin. In Christ, we encounter the perfect example of a tongue and mouth used for truth, love, and the building up of others, standing in stark contrast to the destructive power of deceit condemned in Proverbs.