Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Original Language Analysis
לְֽשׁוֹן
tongue
H3956
לְֽשׁוֹן
tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
1 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
דַכָּ֑יו
those that are afflicted
H1790
דַכָּ֑יו
those that are afflicted
Strong's:
H1790
Word #:
4 of 8
crushed, i.e., (figuratively) injured
וּפֶ֥ה
mouth
H6310
וּפֶ֥ה
mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
5 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Proverbs 6:24To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.Proverbs 29:5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.Proverbs 7:5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.John 8:40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
Historical Context
Proverbs extensively condemns both lying and flattery. Psalm 12:2-3 says: 'They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.' Jesus condemned Pharisees for hypocrisy - saying one thing, meaning another. James 1:26 teaches: 'If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.'
Questions for Reflection
- What lying or flattering speech have you used to crush or manipulate others?
- How can you recognize both obvious lies and subtle flattery directed at you?
- What commitment to truthful, sincere speech would eliminate both lying and flattering from your communication?
Analysis & Commentary
A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin. The Hebrew 'lashon sheqer' (lying tongue) and 'peh chalaq' (smooth/flattering mouth) describes comprehensive speech corruption. Lies crush victims and reveal hater's heart. Flattery ruins by deceiving and manipulating. Both lying and flattering destroy - one through obvious attack, other through subtle manipulation. This warns: destructive speech takes multiple forms. Guard against both obvious lies and subtle flattery.