The one who conceals hatred has lying lipsThis phrase highlights the moral and spiritual danger of harboring hidden animosity. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the source of one's true intentions (
Jeremiah 17:9). Concealing hatred contradicts the call to love one's neighbor (
Leviticus 19:18) and to live in truth (
Ephesians 4:25). The act of hiding hatred is akin to lying, as it presents a false image of peace or goodwill. Jesus emphasized the importance of internal purity, teaching that evil thoughts and intentions defile a person (
Mark 7:21-23). The concealment of hatred can lead to hypocrisy, which Jesus condemned in the Pharisees (
Matthew 23:27-28).
and whoever spreads slander is a fool
Slander involves spreading false or damaging information about others, which is condemned throughout Scripture (Exodus 20:16). In ancient Israel, maintaining a good name was crucial, and slander could destroy reputations and communities. The term "fool" in Proverbs often refers to someone who rejects wisdom and moral instruction (Proverbs 1:7). Slander not only harms the victim but also reflects the moral deficiency of the slanderer. The New Testament reiterates this, urging believers to avoid malicious talk (Ephesians 4:31). Jesus, as the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), calls His followers to speak truthfully and lovingly, avoiding deceit and slander.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Proverbs is a collection of his wise sayings.
2.
The FoolIn the context of Proverbs, the fool is a person who rejects wisdom and instruction, often characterized by immoral and unwise behavior.
3.
The WiseAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the wise are often contrasted with the fool in Proverbs. They are those who live according to God's wisdom.
Teaching Points
Guard Your HeartConcealing hatred can lead to deceitful speech. As Christians, we are called to examine our hearts and root out bitterness and hatred.
The Power of WordsWords have the power to build up or destroy. We must be mindful of our speech, ensuring it reflects truth and love.
Avoid SlanderSlander is not only harmful to others but also reveals foolishness in the speaker. We should strive to speak words that honor God and uplift others.
Seek WisdomProverbs consistently contrasts the wise and the foolish. Seeking God's wisdom helps us to speak and act in ways that are pleasing to Him.
AccountabilityRecognize that our words have consequences. We are accountable to God for what we say, and we should strive to speak truthfully and lovingly.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:18?
2.How can we avoid "concealing hatred" in our daily interactions with others?
3.What are practical ways to guard against "spreading slander" in conversations?
4.How does Proverbs 10:18 connect with Jesus' teachings on honesty and integrity?
5.In what situations might we be tempted to "conceal hatred" or "spread slander"?
6.How can prayer help us overcome the temptations described in Proverbs 10:18?
7.How does Proverbs 10:18 define the relationship between hatred and deceit?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 10:18?
9.How does Proverbs 10:18 challenge modern views on honesty and integrity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.What does "reviler" mean in the Bible?
12.What does 'love covers a multitude of sins' mean?
13.Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.
14.Proverbs 18:10: Why do wars and disasters persist if God's name supposedly guarantees safety as a 'strong tower'?What Does Proverbs 10:18 Mean
Concealing hatred• Solomon begins with a picture of a heart storing animosity while outwardly pretending all is well.Leviticus 19:17 commands, “You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart,” showing that hidden bitterness is already sin, even before words escape.
•Psalm 55:21 observes, “His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart,” reminding us that camouflaged hatred makes relationships unsafe.
•1 John 4:20 asserts, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar,” tying concealed hatred directly to deception before God and people.
Lying lips• Because hatred is being suppressed, whatever is spoken cannot be fully truthful; the lips must lie to mask the resentment.Proverbs 12:22 testifies, “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,” underlining how seriously God views this disguise.
• Jesus clarifies inMatthew 12:34 that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” so if hatred fills the heart, deception will sooner or later break through in speech or tone.
Spreading slander• The verse shifts from hidden malice to open attacks: “whoever spreads slander.” Here hatred erupts, not with fists, but with damaging stories.Proverbs 16:28 warns, “A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.”
•James 3:6 depicts the tongue as “a fire,” able to set a whole forest ablaze. Slander scorches reputations, churches, and families, often irreversibly.
•Psalm 101:5 shows God’s stance: “Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will silence him.” He personally defends the victim of malicious talk.
A fool• Scripture labels the slanderer “a fool,” not merely unwise but morally corrupt.Proverbs 18:2 notes, “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.”
• By defaming others, the fool acts without regard for God’s command to love (John 13:34) and without foresight of the harvest of discord he is sowing (Galatians 6:7–8).
• His behavior proves he lacks the reverent fear of the LORD that marks true wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).
summaryProverbs 10:18 exposes two faces of hatred: the hidden version that lies to keep up appearances and the outspoken version that vents through slander. Both are condemned—one for deceit, the other for destructive speech—and both reveal a heart distant from the fear of the LORD. God calls us instead to honest, loving relationships where sin is confessed, forgiveness sought, and words become instruments of grace and truth.
(18)
He that hideth hatred. . .--This would be more correctly translated, "He that hideth hatred is a mouth of falsehood: he that spreadeth slander is a fool" (
khesil:Proverbs 1:22). (For the construction, "he . . . is a mouth of falsehood," comp. note on
Proverbs 8:30; and for the sentiment, David's complaint,
Psalm 41:6).
Is a fool.--For he does mischief to his neighbour, and only gets ill-will for himself.
Verse 18. - This verse ought to be translated,
He that hideth hatred is [a man]
of lying lips, and he that uttereth slander is a fool. He who cherishes hatred in the heart must be a liar and a hypocrite, speaking and acting in a way contrary to his real sentiments; if he divulges his slander, he is a stupid fool, injuring his neighbour, and procuring ill will for himself. The LXX. reads, "Just (
δίκαια) lips conceal hatred;" but probably
δίκαια is an error for
ἄδικα or
δόλια, though Ewald defends it, and would alter the Hebrew to suit it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The one who concealsמְכַסֶּ֣ה(mə·ḵas·seh)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to coverhatredשִׂ֭נְאָה(nə·’āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8135:Hating, hatredhas lyingשָׁ֑קֶר(šā·qer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267:Deception, disappointment, falsehoodlips,שִׂפְתֵי־(śip̄·ṯê-)Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginand whoever spreadsוּמוֹצִ֥א(ū·mō·w·ṣi)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximslanderדִ֝בָּ֗ה(ḏib·bāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1681:Whispering, defamation, evil reportis a fool.כְסִֽיל׃(ḵə·sîl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684:Stupid fellow, dullard, fool
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:18 He who hides hatred has lying lips (Prov. Pro Pr)