Proverbs 26:23
Like silver dross on an earthen vessel 2 are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart. 1
One Unity Resource Bible
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 are as dainty morsels, 2 they go down into the innermost parts. 1
24A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, 2 but he harbors evil in his heart. 1
Cross References
Proverbs 10:18He who hides hatred has lying lips. 2 He who utters a slander is a fool. 1
Proverbs 25:4Take away the dross from the silver, 2 and material comes out for the refiner; 1
Luke 11:39The Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees [Separated] cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.
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 →