Proverbs 10:18
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Original Language Analysis
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
He that hideth
H3680
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
He that hideth
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
שִׂפְתֵי
lips
H8193
שִׂפְתֵי
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
3 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
שָׁ֑קֶר
with lying
H8267
שָׁ֑קֶר
with lying
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
וּמוֹצִ֥א
and he that uttereth
H3318
וּמוֹצִ֥א
and he that uttereth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 8
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Psalms 15:3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.2 Samuel 3:27And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern honor-shame cultures made reputation crucial. Slander could destroy social standing, economic opportunities, and family honor. The ninth commandment prohibits false witness (Exodus 20:16), and Mosaic law prescribed severe penalties for false accusations. Conversely, hiding hatred with flattery was equally dangerous—political intrigue, palace coups, and assassinations often began with feigned friendship. Both behaviors undermined the covenant community's integrity.
Questions for Reflection
- Are there situations where you hide negative feelings behind pleasant words rather than speaking truth in love?
- How can we balance honesty about others' faults with the command not to slander or gossip?
- What motivates slander, and how does the gospel address the heart issues that produce malicious speech?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb exposes two forms of foolish speech: hypocritical concealment and slanderous exposure. "He that hideth hatred with lying lips" describes the flatterer who masks animosity behind false pleasantries. Mekasseh sin'ah (מְכַסֶּה שִׂנְאָה, covering hatred) with siftey shaqer (שִׂפְתֵי־שֶׁקֶר, lying lips) creates deceptive relationships. This person smiles while plotting harm, violating both truthfulness and love.
"He that uttereth a slander" represents the opposite extreme—malicious exposure. Motsi dibbah (מוֹצִא דִבָּה, bringing forth slander) spreads harmful reports, whether true or false, to damage reputation. Both behaviors reveal the same verdict: "is a fool" (kesil, כְּסִיל)—someone morally and intellectually deficient.
The proverb warns against speech extremes. One hides truth harmfully (lying), the other speaks truth harmfully (slandering). Neither honors God nor loves neighbor. Leviticus 19:16-18 forbids both: "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer... neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour" and "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart." Jesus commands loving enemies and speaking truth in love (Matthew 5:44, Ephesians 4:15). Genuine wisdom speaks honestly with redemptive intent.