Proverbs 10:18 kjv

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

Proverbs 10:18 nkjv

Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

Proverbs 10:18 niv

Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.

Proverbs 10:18 esv

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

Proverbs 10:18 nlt

Hiding hatred makes you a liar;
slandering others makes you a fool.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 18 Meaning

Proverbs 10:18 conveys that an individual who masks internal hatred with deceptive words, as well as one who disseminates malicious falsehoods, is fundamentally foolish. Both actions betray a profound lack of divine wisdom and lead to self-destruction and harm to others, demonstrating a failure to understand the spiritual and practical consequences of their choices.

Proverbs 10 18 Context

Proverbs 10 marks the beginning of "the proverbs of Solomon," a collection predominantly composed of contrasting couplets that highlight the differences between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the consequences of their actions and words. This chapter frequently emphasizes the power and moral implications of speech, contrasting life-giving words with destructive ones. Verse 18 fits squarely within this theme, specifically addressing two forms of harmful communication: hidden malice and overt slander. It reinforces the wisdom teaching that integrity and truthfulness in communication are vital for life, while deceit and malice are hallmarks of folly that lead to negative outcomes.

Proverbs 10 18 Word analysis

• He that hideth: (כָּסָה - kasah) This Hebrew verb means "to cover," "conceal," or "hide." It implies an intentional act of deception, a deliberate effort to mask one's true inner state. The person is not simply holding back information but actively presenting a false front.
• Hatred: (שִׂנְאָה - sin'ah) Refers to deep-seated animosity, ill-will, or enmity. It is not a fleeting emotion but a settled disposition of malevolence towards another person or group.
• With lying lips: (בִּשְׂפַת שֶׁקֶר - bistpat sheqer) "Lying" (sheqer) signifies falsehood, deceit, or treachery. "Lips" (sapat) represent speech, indicating that the person uses their words to create a false impression of goodwill, peace, or friendliness while their heart harbors hatred. This emphasizes hypocrisy.
• And he that uttereth: (מוֹצִיא - motzi) This verb means "to bring out," "produce," or "cause to go forth." It signifies an active, overt act of speaking, in contrast to the prior act of hiding.
• Slander: (דִּבָּה - dibbah) Refers to an "evil report," "defamation," or "malicious rumor." It is typically harmful, often untrue, and spoken with the intent to damage another's reputation, character, or standing.
• Is a fool: (אֱוִיל - 'evil) In Proverbs, an 'evil (fool) is not merely intellectually unintelligent, but morally and spiritually perverse. This kind of fool actively resists wisdom, despises instruction, and makes choices that are ultimately self-destructive, despite any apparent immediate gain. Their actions, though seemingly clever or self-serving, reveal a profound lack of understanding of life's true pathways and divine order.

Words-group analysis:

• "He that hideth hatred with lying lips": This phrase describes the insidious nature of hypocrisy. It speaks of a person whose external presentation of peace or amiability utterly contradicts their internal malevolence. This deception breeds mistrust, prevents genuine reconciliation, and ultimately exposes the perpetrator as insincere.
• "And he that uttereth a slander": This contrasts the hidden malice with an overt act of malice. While one masks hatred, the other openly, though perhaps subtly (through whispers or rumors), harms others by speaking evil. Both are rooted in an unrighteous heart.
• "Is a fool": The verdict "is a fool" applies equally to both the hypocritical hater and the open slanderer. Despite their different methods, both fail to grasp fundamental wisdom. Their actions damage their relationships, reputation, and stand condemned by divine judgment, demonstrating a self-defeating ignorance of righteousness. Such folly leads to isolation and spiritual emptiness rather than success or genuine connection.

Proverbs 10 18 Bonus section

• The proverb illustrates two sides of the same coin of malicious speech: one is indirect and deceitful (hidden hatred), while the other is direct and damaging (slander). Both originate from an unrighteous heart and result in the same judgment of "folly."
• The emphasis on the "lips" highlights the instrument through which both hidden deceit and overt slander are executed, underscoring the immense power and responsibility of human speech.
• The biblical concept of "fool" here implies someone whose lifestyle choices are not merely misguided but are actively detrimental to themselves and others because they reject the pathway of wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 10 18 Commentary

Proverbs 10:18 powerfully condemns two distinct but equally damaging expressions of malice: the passive-aggressive act of concealing hatred under a veneer of friendliness and the active aggression of spreading defamatory remarks. The one who "hideth hatred with lying lips" demonstrates hypocrisy, which is a particularly grievous sin because it undermines trust and makes genuine resolution impossible. They may appear righteous, but their heart is far from God and others. The one who "uttereth a slander" openly inflicts damage, destroying reputations and sowing discord through words, often based on falsehood or malicious exaggeration. Both individuals are unequivocally declared "a fool" (אֱוִיל - 'evil), signifying not just a lack of intelligence but a profound moral and spiritual senselessness. Such people fundamentally misunderstand how life truly works in God's order; their actions lead to broken relationships, alienation, shame, and divine disapproval, ultimately working against their own well-being. This proverb underscores that true wisdom demands integrity, honesty, and words that build up, not tear down.

• Example 1 (Hidden Hatred): Someone smiles, congratulates, and offers superficial compliments to a perceived rival at work, all while privately spreading rumors or actively sabotaging their projects.
• Example 2 (Slander): A person intentionally spreads an unverified, negative story about a public figure or a neighbor, not caring about the truth or the harm it causes, simply for personal amusement or to feel superior.