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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Burning lips and a wicked heart <i>are like</i> a potsherd covered with silver dross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Fervent lips with a wicked heart <i>Are like</i> earthenware covered with silver dross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> an earthenware vessel overlaid with silver impurities Are burning lips and a wicked heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are fiery lips and an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like a [common] clay vessel covered with the silver dross [making it appear silver when it has no real value] Are burning lips [murmuring manipulative words] and a wicked heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Hiding hateful thoughts behind smooth talk is like coating a clay pot with a cheap glaze. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Fervent lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[Like] a clay pot covered with cheap silver, [so] is smooth talk that covers up an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Insincere talk that hides what you are really thinking is like a fine glaze on a cheap clay pot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A clay vessel plated with a thin veneer of silver— that's what smooth lips with a wicked heart are.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Silver of dross spread over potsherd, "" [Are] burning lips and an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Silver of dross spread over potsherd, Are burning lips and an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Silver dross covering over a pot-sherd, burning lips and an evil heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an earthen vessel adorned with silver dross. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />In the same manner as an earthen vessel, if it were adorned with impure silver, conceited lips are allied with a wicked heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like a glazed finish on earthenware are smooth lips and a wicked heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are smooth lips with an evil heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Like silver dross which sticks to an earthen pot, so are enraged lips and an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Like tried silver plated over a clay vessel, so are fiery lips and an evil heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Burning lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Silver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd: smooth lips cover a grievous heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5435" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Similitudes and Instructions</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: ke·sep̄ (N-msc) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">Like glaze</a> <a href="/hebrew/5509.htm" title="5509: sî·ḡîm (N-mp) -- A moving back or away, dross. Or cuwg; from cuwg in the sense of refuse; scoria."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6823.htm" title="6823: mə·ṣup·peh (V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lay out, lay over. A primitive root; to sheet over.">covering</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2789.htm" title="2789: ḥā·reś (N-ms) -- Earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd. A collateral form mediating between cherec and cheresh; a piece of pottery.">an earthen vessel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1814.htm" title="1814: dō·lə·qîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To burn, hotly pursue. A primitive root; to flame.">are burning</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄ā·ṯa·yim (N-fd) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">and a wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wə·leḇ- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21</a></span><br />His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Jeremiah 9:8</a></span><br />Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></span><br />So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-10.htm">James 3:10-12</a></span><br />Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! / Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? / My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a></span><br />For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a></span><br />For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/28-3.htm">Psalm 28:3</a></span><br />Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></span><br />The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2-3</a></span><br />They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. / May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-5.htm">2 Timothy 3:5</a></span><br />having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-2.htm">Jeremiah 12:2</a></span><br />You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Proverbs 10:18</a></b></br> He that hideth hatred <i>with</i> lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, <i>is</i> a fool.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-9.htm">2 Samuel 20:9,10</a></b></br> And Joab said to Amasa, <i>Art</i> thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></b></br> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee <i>as</i> my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, <i>but</i> their heart goeth after their covetousness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/30-41.htm">Ardent</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-2.htm">Coating</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Dross</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/22-15.htm">Earthen</a> <a href="/psalms/2-9.htm">Earthenware</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-12.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-28.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-17.htm">Overlaid</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-17.htm">Plated</a> <a href="/psalms/22-15.htm">Potsherd</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">Ardent</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-13.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-2.htm">Coating</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-22.htm">Dross</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Earthen</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Earthenware</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/songs/5-14.htm">Overlaid</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-22.htm">Plated</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Potsherd</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-20.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-6.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">observations about fools</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">about sluggards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">and about contentious busybodies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Like glaze covering an earthen vessel</b><br>This phrase uses the imagery of pottery, a common craft in ancient Israel. Earthen vessels were everyday items, often used for storage and cooking. The glaze, a thin layer applied to pottery, would make the vessel appear more attractive and sometimes waterproof. However, the glaze could hide imperfections or weaknesses in the clay. This metaphor suggests a superficial beauty or integrity that conceals underlying flaws. In biblical context, this can be compared to Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees in <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27</a>, where He calls them "whitewashed tombs," beautiful on the outside but full of decay within. The imagery emphasizes the danger of external appearances that mask internal corruption.<p><b>are burning lips</b><br>"Burning lips" refers to speech that is fervent, passionate, or persuasive, yet potentially harmful. In the cultural context of the Bible, speech was a powerful tool, capable of both blessing and cursing. Proverbs frequently warns against deceitful and harmful speech (<a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Proverbs 10:18, 12</a>:22). The "burning" aspect suggests intensity, which can be alluring but also destructive, much like fire. This aligns with <a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a>, where the tongue is described as a fire, capable of setting the course of life ablaze. The warning here is against being swayed by eloquent but deceitful words.<p><b>and a wicked heart</b><br>The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. A "wicked heart" indicates a deep-seated moral corruption. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> describes the heart as deceitful and desperately wicked, highlighting humanity's fallen nature. The connection between speech and heart is significant; Jesus teaches in <a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a> that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Thus, burning lips are a reflection of the wickedness within. This phrase serves as a caution to discern the true nature of individuals, recognizing that outward expressions often reveal inner realities.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which the Proverbs were written, reflecting the values and teachings of the time.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/earthen_vessel.htm">Earthen Vessel</a></b><br>- A common household item in ancient times, made of clay, symbolizing something ordinary and fragile.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/glaze.htm">Glaze</a></b><br>- A coating applied to pottery to make it appear more attractive, symbolizing superficial beauty or deception.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/burning_lips_and_wicked_heart.htm">Burning Lips and Wicked Heart</a></b><br>- Metaphors for deceitful speech and malicious intent, highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_deception.htm">The Danger of Deception</a></b><br>Just as a glaze can make a simple pot appear valuable, deceitful words can mask a wicked heart. We must be discerning and not be swayed by appearances alone.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a></b><br>True integrity involves aligning our words with our heart. We should strive for consistency between our internal values and external expressions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>Our words have the power to build up or destroy. We must be mindful of our speech, ensuring it reflects a heart aligned with God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/evaluating_true_worth.htm">Evaluating True Worth</a></b><br>Like an earthen vessel, our true value is not in outward appearances but in the purity and intentions of our heart. We should seek to cultivate inner beauty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_wisdom.htm">Seeking God's Wisdom</a></b><br>In a world full of deception, we need God's wisdom to discern truth from falsehood. Regular prayer and study of Scripture can guide us in this pursuit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_defilement.htm">What does 'dross' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_flattery.htm">What is the Bible's view on flattery?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'dross'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does "dross" mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_ashkelon's_biblical_role.htm">What is the Bible's stance on alcohol consumption?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Burning lips--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, burning with love, while there is an evil heart within.<p><span class= "bld">A potsherd covered with silver dross.--</span>Pottery glazed with dross of silver, a well-known method of ornamentation. For similar proverbs, comp. <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm" title="Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like to white washed sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.">Matthew 23:27</a>; <a href="/luke/11-39.htm" title="And the Lord said to him, Now do you Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.">Luke 11:39</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - The next proverbs are concerned with hypocrisy. The Hebrew denotes the comparison simply by position (see on Proverbs 25:11), thus: <span class="cmt_word">An earthen vessel</span> (or, <span class="accented">potsherd</span>) <span class="cmt_word">overlaid with silver dross</span> - <span class="cmt_word">growing lips and a wicked heart.</span> So called "silver dross" is litharge, an oxide of lead used to this day to put a glaze on pottery (comp. Ecclus. 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 (<span class="greek">λεῖα</span>) lips hide a grievous heart" (comp. <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Like glaze</span><br /><span class="heb">כֶּ֣סֶף</span> <span class="translit">(ke·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silver, money</span><br /><br /><span class="word">covering</span><br /><span class="heb">מְצֻפֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ṣup·peh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6823.htm">Strong's 6823: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay out, lay over</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an earthen vessel</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֑רֶשׂ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·reś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2789.htm">Strong's 2789: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are burning</span><br /><span class="heb">דֹּלְקִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(dō·lə·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1814.htm">Strong's 1814: </a> </span><span class="str2">To burn, hotly pursue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפָתַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄ā·ṯa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heart.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֶב־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·leḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>