Proverbs 26:23
In the same manner as an earthen vessel, if it were adorned with impure silver, conceited lips are allied with a wicked heart.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
In Context
22The words of a whisperer seem simple, but they penetrate to the innermost parts of the self.
24An enemy is known by his lips, though it is from his heart that he draws out deceit.
Cross References
Proverbs 10:18Lying lips conceal hatred; whoever brings forth contempt is unwise.
Proverbs 25:4Take away the tarnish from silver, and a most pure vessel will go forth.
Ezekiel 33:31And they come to you, as if the people were entering, and my people sit before you. And they listen to your words, but they do not do them. For they turn them into a song for their mouth, but their heart pursues their own avarice.
Luke 11:39And the Lord said to him: “You Pharisees today clean what is outside the cup and the plate, but what is inside of you is full of plunder and iniquity.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:21-23
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Contention is as a fire; it heats the spirit, burns up all that is good, and puts families and societies into a flame. Now here we are told how that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning, that we may avoid the occasions… Read the whole commentary →