Proverbs 26:24 kjv

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

Proverbs 26:24 nkjv

He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself;

Proverbs 26:24 niv

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.

Proverbs 26:24 esv

Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart;

Proverbs 26:24 nlt

People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they're deceiving you.

Proverbs 26 verses

Proverbs 26 24 Meaning

Proverbs 26:24 describes an individual who harbors profound hatred yet outwardly presents themselves in a manner that conceals their true intentions, often through flattering or feigned words. This person uses their "lips" to create a deceptive "disguise," while inwardly they accumulate and "store up" malevolent "deceit" in the depths of their being. The verse warns against such hypocrisy, highlighting the dangerous disjunction between external appearance and the hidden treachery of the heart.

Proverbs 26 24 Context

Proverbs chapter 26 focuses primarily on contrasting wisdom with foolishness, laziness, and malice, offering practical insights into character. Verses 23-28 specifically address the topic of insidious deception and concealed animosity. Verse 26:24 directly builds upon verse 23, which describes "fervent lips with an evil heart," setting the stage for the warning in verse 25: "Though he speaks congenially, do not believe him." The chapter culminates in verse 26 with the assurance that "though his hatred is covered with disguise, his wickedness will be exposed."

In ancient Near Eastern culture, sincerity in speech was highly valued, and duplicity was seen as a serious betrayal of community trust. Words were considered powerful, emanating from the heart, which was believed to be the center of one's moral and spiritual being. A disparity between words and heart was viewed as a profound moral corruption. This proverb confronts the practice of using charming or deceptive words to mask true, malevolent intentions. It indirectly stands in opposition to any cultural practices or beliefs that might condone flattery, strategic dissimulation, or outward politeness when the inner disposition is hostile, underscoring the demand for genuine integrity within God's people.

Proverbs 26 24 Word Analysis

• Whoever hates (שָׂנֵא, sane): This Hebrew participle refers to one who harbors a deep, abiding sense of enmity or hostility. It indicates a consistent internal disposition of strong dislike or animosity rather than a fleeting emotion, identifying the person by their settled inner state.

• disguises himself (יִנָּכֵר, yinnaker - Hithpael imperfect from נָכַר, nakar): The root nakar means "to recognize" or "to acknowledge." In the Hithpael (intensive-reflexive) stem, it denotes "to make oneself strange" or "to act as a stranger to oneself or others' perception." This signifies an active, deliberate, and often calculated effort to conceal one's true nature or intentions by presenting a false outward appearance.

• with his lips (בִּשְׂפָתָיו, bishphatayv): "Lips" here represent outward communication, speech, and verbal expressions. This highlights that the deceptive "disguise" is primarily put on through words, such as flattery, feigned agreement, or expressions of friendship, creating an illusion that contradicts their true internal state.

• and stores up (יָשִׁית, yashit - from שִׁית, shit): This verb means "to put," "to place," or "to set." In this context, it implies accumulating, laying aside, or hoarding. It conveys the idea that the "deceit" is not spontaneous or momentary but a deliberately cultivated and deeply rooted aspect of their character, suggesting a readiness to use it at opportune moments.

• deceit (מִרְמָה, mirmah): This noun denotes treachery, fraud, or guile. It is rooted in a verb meaning "to trick" or "to be cunning." "Deceit" specifies the quality of the hidden malice: it is characterized by cunning manipulation and the intent to betray trust or harm others through trickery.

• within him (בְּקִרְבּוֹ, beqirbo): This phrase indicates the innermost being, the "midst" or "heart" of a person. It contrasts sharply with "lips" and emphasizes that the deceit is deeply embedded, not superficial. This means the individual's core being—their motives, thoughts, and intentions—is permeated with dishonesty and malice.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips": This phrase portrays the deliberate act of a person consumed by hatred who actively conceals this animosity. They employ speech—sweet, plausible, or deceptive words—as a mask. This creates a dangerous incongruity: outwardly appearing agreeable or harmless, while inwardly harboring deep malevolence. This isn't merely a failure to express hatred but an active effort to create a false impression using language.
  • "and stores up deceit within him": This clause reveals the internal state of the hypocrite. The "deceit" is not fleeting but accumulated, signifying a pattern of cultivating dishonesty. It's an internal reserve of cunning and treachery, deeply rooted in their very core or "heart" (the seat of one's being, including will, intellect, and emotions). This "storing up" implies that the deceit has become integral to their character, shaping their hidden motivations and long-term intentions.

Proverbs 26 24 Bonus Section

This proverb emphasizes the biblical truth that genuine integrity demands alignment between one's words and one's heart. It speaks to the critical importance of a transformed heart, without which outward piety or charm is merely a facade. The concept of "storing up" within, particularly deceit, suggests a progressive hardening and accumulation of wickedness, indicating that such a condition is not static but tends to deepen over time if unchecked. In biblical theology, the "heart" (Hebrew: lev) is the command center of one's being, encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and conscience. Therefore, storing deceit there means their very character, their motives, and their capacity for relationship are corrupted at the source. This wisdom applies to various forms of hidden evil—whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or even religious pretense—reinforcing God's ultimate desire for truth in the inward parts (Ps 51:6). The proverb underscores that while such deceit might temporarily fool humans, it is fully known to God, who will ultimately expose it.

Proverbs 26 24 Commentary

Proverbs 26:24 vividly illustrates the danger of outward pretense concealing inward malice. It cautions against those who, driven by hatred, craft their words to mislead and betray. Such an individual deliberately uses flattery, agreeable discourse, or feigned friendliness ("with his lips") as a sophisticated "disguise." This disguise is a calculated tactic, a deliberate act of misdirection. More profoundly, the verse exposes the internal reality of this person: they "store up deceit within him." This "storing up" suggests an active process of cultivating treachery, making it a deep-seated characteristic of their inner being. The malice is not superficial but is an ingrained part of their heart's composition. This proverb calls for discerning wisdom, urging individuals to look beyond superficial words to perceive the underlying intentions of the heart, as true character will eventually reveal itself (Prov 26:26).

Examples:

1. A coworker who constantly compliments your efforts but secretly sabotages your projects.
2. An acquaintance who offers profuse sympathy during a difficult time but delights in your misfortune.
3. A salesperson who showers you with praise and promises, all while having a predatory, dishonest agenda for their own gain.