Proverbs 26:28

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about lying and flattering lips:

Proverbs 26:28 (NASBStr)

A lying tongue hates those it crushes,

And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs 26:28 (ESV)

A lying tongue hates its victims,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Solomon is warning us in this proverb about the speech of those around us.   He is telling us that those who lie to us may think the untruth is innocent and harmless.  However, every lie, no matter how small, is harmful.  He says it "crushes".    And, if lying were not enough, we read in the second line that we are to beware of those who come with a flattering tongue.   Lying will crush you, but flattering still works a subtle ruin in our lives.   As Word Biblical Commentary puts it: 

"lying tongue hates those it hurts. See 10:18. flattering mouth works ruin. See 29:5; cf. 16:13."

When people use their speech for something other than to convey truth we see the downfall that works in the hearts of others.  Deception (whether in a full lie or in a false, flattering manner) will work destruction in our hearts.  Beware of it.   When we speak the truth in love we have a better opportunity to see freedom and liberty as truth sets you free.   Lying, deception and false flattery bind us.   Beware of them.   They crush and work ruin.