The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The next proverbs are concerned with hypocrisy. The Hebrew denotes the comparison simply by position (see on Proverbs 25:11), thus: An earthen vessel (or, potsherd) overlaid with silver dross—growing lips and a wicked heart.

So called "silver dross" is litharge, an oxide of lead used to this day to put a glaze on pottery (comp. Ecclesiasticus 38:30). The comparatively worthless article is thus made to assume a fine appearance.

Thus lips that seem to burn with affection, and give the kiss of glowing, love, may mask a heart filled with envy and hatred Judas kisses and words of friendship hide the bad feelings that lurk within.

Septuagint, "Silver given with guile is to be considered as a potsherd; smooth ( λεῖα) lips hide a grievous heart" (comp. Matthew 23:27).

More for Proverbs 26:23

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:1-28Proverbs 26:1-28 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:17-28Proverbs 26:17-28 · The Pulpit CommentaryA series of proverbs connected more or less with peacefulness and its opposite.The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:20-28Proverbs 26:20-28 · The Pulpit CommentarySpite, cunning, and deceit I. THE TALE BEARER AND MISCHIEF MAKER. (Proverbs 26:20-22.) 1. His inflammatory character. (Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:21.) He keeps alive quarrels which, but for his vice, would die down for…Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:23Proverbs 26:23 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryA wicked heart disguising itself, is like a potsherd covered with the dross of silver.Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:23Proverbs 26:23 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis may be meant either, 1. Of a wicked heart showing itself in burning lips, furious, passionate, outrageous words, burning in malice, and persecuting those to whom, or of whom, they are spoken; ill words and ill-will…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:23-28Proverbs 26:23-28 · The Pulpit CommentaryOn guard Unfortunately, we have to treat men as we find them, not as we wish that they were and as their Creator meant them to be. We are compelled to learn caution as we pass on our way. I. OUR FIRST DUTY AND ITS NATUR…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:1-28EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:17-28A series of proverbs connected more or less with peacefulness and its opposite.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:20-28Spite, cunning, and deceit I. THE TALE BEARER AND MISCHIEF MAKER. (Proverbs 26:20-22.) 1. His inflammatory character. (Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:21.) He keeps alive quarrels which, but for his vice, would die down for…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 26:23A wicked heart disguising itself, is like a potsherd covered with the dross of silver.Matthew Henry commentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 26:23This may be meant either, 1. Of a wicked heart showing itself in burning lips, furious, passionate, outrageous words, burning in malice, and persecuting those to whom, or of whom, they are spoken; ill words and ill-will…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:23-28On guard Unfortunately, we have to treat men as we find them, not as we wish that they were and as their Creator meant them to be. We are compelled to learn caution as we pass on our way. I. OUR FIRST DUTY AND ITS NATUR…Joseph S. Exell and contributors