Proverbs 26:24-26 (ESV)
Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
and harbors deceit in his heart;
when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
for there are seven abominations in his heart;
though his hatred be covered with deception,
his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
The warning in the above group of proverbs is a warning to the reader. We are being warned to beware of men and women who carry hatred in their hearts (maliciousness). The person who has this hatred in their heart will always try to cover it. They can not be trusted. Solomon tells us they hide their hatred and deceit with charming speech. He uses deception to cover his malice. When the proverb says there are "seven abominations in his heart," he is telling us that his heart is "completely" full of hatred. The number seven in the Bible always speaks of “completness.” We are to be warned about this deceit and malice. We don't have to worry about the results of it, however. According to Solomon the deceit will be exposed to everyone some day. We are not told when they will be exposed. Even though his speech is "charming" we are not to believe him. The mouth is camouflage for the heart. We are not to be deceived by their lips. Be careful when you find yourself with someone with sweet speech. They just might of a dark heart. Note these additional proverbs:
Proverbs 29:5 (ESV)
A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
Proverbs 23:1-3 (ESV)
When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
observe carefully what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
for they are deceptive food.
Solomon is dispensing wisdom. Wise people are carful not to believe everything they hear.
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