Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 26:23 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart. "
Proverbs 26:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts.
23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors evil in his heart.
25 When his speech is charming, don’t believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
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This may mean one of two things. First, it may describe a wicked heart showing itself in burning lips, that is, in hot, angry, outrageous words. Such words burn with malice and often lead to harm for the people they are aimed at. Ugly speech and ugly intentions fit together as naturally as a broken piece of pottery and the leftover dross of silver, fit only to be thrown on the trash heap.
Or, second, it may describe a wicked heart hiding itself behind burning lips, that is, behind warm words that sound loving and friendly. In that case, a person may even persecute someone with flattery. This is like a potsherd covered with the scum or dross of silver, which might fool a weak person into thinking it has value. But a wise person soon sees through the trick. This meaning fits well with the verses that follow.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 26:1
"Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool."
Proverbs 26:2
"Like a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow, so the undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest."
Proverbs 26:3
"A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!"
Proverbs 26:4
"Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him."
Proverbs 26:5
"Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes."
Proverbs 26:6
"One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence."
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