Proverbs 26:25

Authorized King James Version

PDF

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְחַנֵּ֣ן fair H2603
יְחַנֵּ֣ן fair
Strong's: H2603
Word #: 2 of 10
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
ק֭וֹלוֹ When he speaketh H6963
ק֭וֹלוֹ When he speaketh
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 3 of 10
a voice or sound
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 4 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּֽאֲמֶן believe H539
תַּֽאֲמֶן believe
Strong's: H539
Word #: 5 of 10
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
בּ֑וֹ H0
בּ֑וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 10
כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 7 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֶׁ֖בַע him not for there are seven H7651
שֶׁ֖בַע him not for there are seven
Strong's: H7651
Word #: 8 of 10
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
תּוֹעֵב֣וֹת abominations H8441
תּוֹעֵב֣וֹת abominations
Strong's: H8441
Word #: 9 of 10
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
בְּלִבּֽוֹ׃ in his heart H3820
בְּלִבּֽוֹ׃ in his heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 10 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis & Commentary

When he speaks graciously, don't believe him; seven abominations are in his heart. The Hebrew 'chanan qowl' (makes voice gracious) and 'sheba' towebah' (seven abominations) warns against trusting pleasant speech from known deceivers. Seven represents completeness - the dissembler's heart is completely corrupt. Smooth words from evil person shouldn't be believed regardless of how convincing. This requires remembering character despite charming presentation. Wisdom evaluates source, not just message.

Historical Context

Biblical history demonstrates this repeatedly. Absalom's 'gracious' words to Israelites masked rebellious heart (2 Samuel 15:2-6). Judas' 'gracious' kiss identified Jesus for arrest (Matthew 26:48-49). Satan himself appears as 'angel of light' (2 Corinthians 11:14). Discernment requires remembering that evil people can speak beautifully. First John 4:1 commands: 'Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.'

Questions for Reflection