Proverbs 26:24 - Meaning and Application

There is reason to complain, not only that people are not sincere in their friendships, and do not love as much as they claim or help as much as they promise, but also that some use friendship as a cover for evil plans. That is the kind of thing spoken of here as common: "He who hates his neighbor," and is plotting to harm him, "disguises it with his lips." He acts as if he has respect for him and is ready to serve him. He speaks kindly, like Cain did to Abel, or like Joab did to Amasa, saying words that keep his hatred hidden. In that way, he is able to catch the other person off guard and carry out his plans. This is malice, evil hatred, with the cleverness and poison of the old serpent, Satan.

From this, we are warned in two ways. First, we should not be foolish enough to let ourselves be fooled by fair words. When a person speaks smoothly, we should be careful, and not trust him too quickly unless we know him well. There may be "seven abominations" in his heart, many secret plans against us, while he works hard to hide them behind kind speech. Satan is such an enemy: he hates us, yet he speaks fair words in temptation, as he did to Eve. It is foolish to trust him, for his heart is full of evil.

Second, we should not be so wicked as to trick others while pretending friendship. Even if such deceit seems to work for a while, it will be exposed in time (Pro 26:26). The hatred hidden by deceit will eventually be uncovered, and the person's wickedness will be shown openly, to his shame before everyone. Nothing makes a person more hated in company. Love is the best armor, but the worst cloak, and false friends will be found out, just as Ahab was when he tried to hide himself and perished.