A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin. A lying tongue hates those it crushes,Deceit is not a harmless fault but an assault on the people it injures. False witness violated God’s law in Israel because lies could destroy a person’s reputation, property, freedom, or life (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 19:15–21). The liar may seek advantage, conceal guilt, or escape consequences, yet such speech treats its victim with hatred. Satan, identified as the father of lies, uses deception to oppose God’s truth and bring death (John 8:44). God delights in truthful speech because truth preserves justice, trust, and peace among His people (Proverbs 12:22). Pro 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips… and a flattering mouth causes ruin. Insincere praise disguises manipulation as kindness. Flatterers often tell people what they want to hear in order to gain influence, secure favor, or lead them into error. Such words can foster pride, weaken discernment, and draw people away from wise counsel. Proverbs warns that flattery spreads a net for its victim (Proverbs 29:5), while the apostles cautioned that smooth speech can deceive the unsuspecting (Romans 16:18). The tongue possesses power to wound openly through lies or quietly through praise detached from truth; therefore, believers must speak with honesty, love, and reverence for God. Psa 12:2-3 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and morality are reflected in the Proverbs. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the societal norms and values of Ancient Israel can provide deeper insight into the text. 3. The Wise and the Foolish Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are contrasted. The wise person seeks truth and righteousness, while the foolish person is often associated with deceit and destruction. Teaching Points The Destructive Power of LiesLies have the power to harm relationships and communities. As believers, we are called to speak truth and build one another up rather than tear down. The Danger of Flattery Flattery, though seemingly harmless, can lead to ruin by fostering pride and deceit. True encouragement should be grounded in sincerity and truth. The Heart Behind the Words Our words reflect the condition of our hearts. A lying tongue and flattering mouth reveal a heart that is not aligned with God's truth. Pursuing Integrity in Speech As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue integrity in our speech, ensuring that our words are consistent with our faith and values. The Importance of Discernment We must be discerning in both giving and receiving words, recognizing the difference between genuine encouragement and manipulative flattery. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the cultural context of Ancient Israel enhance our interpretation of Proverbs 26:28?2. In what ways can a lying tongue "crush" others, and how can we guard against this in our own lives? 3. Reflect on a time when flattery led to negative consequences. What lessons can be learned from that experience? 4. How can we cultivate a heart that produces truthful and edifying speech, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25? 5. What practical steps can we take to discern between genuine encouragement and flattery in our interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures James 3:5-6This passage discusses the power of the tongue, likening it to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze. It connects to the destructive potential of a lying tongue as mentioned in Proverbs 26:28. Psalm 12:2-3 These verses speak against those who speak with flattering lips and a double heart, echoing the warning against flattery in Proverbs 26:28. Ephesians 4:25 This verse encourages believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully to one another, aligning with the call to avoid lying and flattery.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Bruised, Cause, Clean, Crushed, Crushes, Falling, Flattering, Hate, Hates, Hateth, Hearts, Hurts, Injured, Lying, Mouth, Ones, Overthrow, Ruin, Smooth, Tongue, Victims, Worketh, Works, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 26:28 5167 mouth Library One Lion Two Lions no Lion at AllA sermon (No. 1670) delivered on Thursday Evening, June 8th, 1882, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets."--Proverbs 22:13. "The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets."--Proverbs 26:13. This slothful man seems to cherish that one dread of his about the lions, as if it were his favorite aversion and he felt it to be too much trouble to invent another excuse. … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love... Proverbs Links Proverbs 26:28 NIVProverbs 26:28 NLT Proverbs 26:28 ESV Proverbs 26:28 NASB Proverbs 26:28 KJV Proverbs 26:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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