Proverbs 26:23
Proverbs 26:23 in Multiple Translations
Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
Smooth lips and an evil heart are like a vessel of earth plated with silver waste.
Smooth talking with evil intent is like a shiny lead glaze on an earthenware pot.
As siluer drosse ouerlayde vpon a potsheard, so are burning lips, and an euill heart.
Silver of dross spread over potsherd, [Are] burning lips and an evil heart.
Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an earthen vessel adorned with silver dross.
People who say nice things when they are thinking about doing evil things are like a nice glaze/covering on a cheap clay pot.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 26:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֶּ֣סֶף
סִ֭יגִים
מְצֻפֶּ֣ה
עַל
חָ֑רֶשׂ
שְׂפָתַ֖יִם
דֹּלְקִ֣ים
וְ/לֶב
רָֽע
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
סִ֭יגִים
çîyg
H5509
dross
N-mp
מְצֻפֶּ֣ה
tsâphâh
H6823
to overlay
V-Pual-Inf-c
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חָ֑רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
earthenware
N-ms
שְׂפָתַ֖יִם
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
דֹּלְקִ֣ים
dâlaq
H1814
to burn/pursue
V-Qal
וְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:23
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
סִ֭יגִים
çîyg
H5509
"dross"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means the waste or scum that rises to the surface when metal is melted, like dross from silver. It's about refining and purifying.
Definition: 1) a moving back or away 2) dross (usually of silver)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dross. See also: Psalms 119:119; Isaiah 1:22; Proverbs 25:4.
מְצֻפֶּ֣ה
tsâphâh
H6823
"to overlay"
V-Pual-Inf-c
Tsaphah can also mean to overlay or cover something, often with metal. It involves laying something over another material, like plating or coating.
Definition: 1) to lay out, lay over, overlay, cover 1a) (Piel) to overlay, plate, stud 1b) (Pual) to be laid over
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cover, overlay. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 38:2; Proverbs 26:23.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חָ֑רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
"earthenware"
N-ms
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
שְׂפָתַ֖יִם
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
דֹּלְקִ֣ים
dâlaq
H1814
"to burn/pursue"
V-Qal
To burn or pursue means to flame or chase after something. This word is used in the Bible to describe burning fires or hot pursuit. It can also mean to kindle or inflame something, and is often translated as burning or chase.
Definition: 1) to burn, hotly pursue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to burn 1a2) to hotly pursue 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to kindle 1b2) to inflame Aramaic equivalent: de.laq (דְּלַק "to burn" H1815)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: burning, chase, inflame, kindle, persecute(-or), pursue hotly. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 26:23; Psalms 7:14.
וְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:23
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
21Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
23Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.
24A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. 25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 22:47–48 | While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” |
| 2 | Luke 11:39 | “Now then,” said the Lord, “you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:18 | The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 33:31 | 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 25:4 | Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth. |
| 6 | Matthew 23:27 | 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. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 20:9–10 | “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. |
Proverbs 26:23 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of using our words to manipulate or deceive others, while hiding a wicked heart. According to Proverbs 26:23, this is like putting a nice glaze on a broken pot - it may look good on the outside, but it's still broken on the inside. As seen in Psalm 51:10, we need to ask God to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit, so that our words and actions can be a true reflection of His love and character. By surrendering to God and seeking His transformation, we can learn to use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for lips to be 'burning' in Proverbs 26:23?
Burning lips in this context refer to speech that is passionate and persuasive, but also deceitful and wicked, as seen in Psalm 12:2-3, where the Lord condemns flattering lips and a double heart.
How can I identify if someone has a 'wicked heart' as mentioned in this verse?
According to Proverbs 26:23 and Matthew 15:18-19, a wicked heart is often characterized by sinful words and actions, which can be masked by charming and persuasive speech, but ultimately reveal the true intentions of the heart.
Is it possible for someone to change their heart and lips to be more like God desires?
Yes, according to Ezekiel 36:26 and 2 Corinthians 5:17, God can give us a new heart and transform our speech to be more like His, if we surrender to Him and seek His transformation in our lives.
What is the significance of the 'earthen vessel' in this verse?
The earthen vessel in Proverbs 26:23 represents something fragile and breakable, which can be easily damaged by the 'burning lips' and 'wicked heart', much like how our relationships and witness can be damaged by sinful speech and actions, as warned in Ephesians 4:29-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be using 'burning lips' to manipulate or deceive others, and how can I repent of this behavior?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is pure and truthful, rather than wicked and deceitful, according to Proverbs 26:23 and Matthew 5:8?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down with 'burning lips' and a 'wicked heart'?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my speech and actions align with a heart that is surrendered to God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:23
Burning lips, and a wicked heart,.... Either burning with wrath and malice; breathing out threatenings and slaughter; pursuing men with reproaches and slanders, arising from a wicked heart: or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:23
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
Burning; either, 1. With love. Words delivered with show of true and fervent affection. Or rather, 2. With malice or hatred. A slanderous or evil tongue; for this word is constantly used in a bad sense, and notes the heat of rage and persecution. Like a potsherd covered with silver dross; such a tongue and heart are of no real worth, although sometimes they make a show of it, as dross doth of silver.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
Proverbs 26:23 Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.Ver. 23. Burning lips and a wicked heart, &c.] The tongue of the righteous is as fined silver; but glossing lips upon a false heart is no better than dross upon dirt: counterfeit friends are naught on both sides, having os maledictum et cor malum, as Luther renders this text; - a bad mouth, and a worse heart. Wicked men are said to speak with a heart and a heart, as speaking one thing and thinking another, drawing a fair glove on a foul hand. These are dangerous to be dealt withal; for, like serpents, they can sting without hissing; like cur dogs, suck your blood only with licking, and in the end kill you and cut your throats without biting: so cunning and close are they in the conveyance of their collusion. Squire, sent out of Spain to poison Queen Elizabeth, anointed the pommel of her saddle with poison secretly, and, as it were, doing somewhat else, praying with a loud voice, God save the queen. When those Romish incendiaries, Gifford, Hodgeson, and others, had set Savage to work to kill the said queen, they first set forth a book to persuade the English Catholics to attempt nothing against her. So Parsons, when he had hatched that nameless villany, the gunpowder plot, set forth his book of Resolution, as if he had been wholly made up of devotion. Caveatur osculum Iscarioticum. Betware the mouth of Judus. It is the property of a godly man to speak the truth from his heart.
Camden’ s Elizabeth, 57.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
(23) Burning lips—i.e., burning with love, while there is an evil heart within. A potsherd covered with silver dross.—Pottery glazed with dross of silver, a well-known method of ornamentation. For similar proverbs, comp. Matthew 23:27; Luke 11:39.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
Verse 23. Burning lips and a wicked heart] Splendid, shining, smooth lips; that is, lips which make great professions of friendship are like a vessel plated over with base metal to make it resemble silver; but it is only a vile pot, and even the outside is not pure.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:23
23. burning] Better, fervent, R.V., with protestations of affection. a potsherd covered] The rendering, an earthen vessel overlaid, R.V. makes the meaning clearer.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:23
Burning lips - i. e., “Lips glowing with, affection, uttering warm words of love,” joined with a malignant heart, are like a piece of broken earthenware from the furnace, which glitters with the
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
23. Burning lips — Fiery professions of friendship, (Zockler,) and, especially lustful kisses. Matthew 26:48. Potsherd — A piece of broken crockery; perhaps put poetically for an earthen vessel.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Belly Worshippers by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting Christ and living a life of sin. He warns that those who reject Christ not only face damnation themselves, but |
|
Steering by Gods Compass by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon on love, the preacher delves into the concept of 'phileo' love, which is a friendship type of love based on emotions and personal attachment. 'Phileo' is a love that |
|
The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity by George MacDonald | George MacDonald preaches on the disciples' lack of understanding when Jesus warned them about the leaven of the Pharisees, focusing on their preoccupation with material concerns l |
|
The Fear of the Lord by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort preaches about Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees and lawyers, exposing their hypocrisy and pride, warning them of the consequences of their actions. Jesus emphasi |
|
Evil-Speaking by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the divine command to 'speak evil of no man' as outlined in Titus 3:2, warning that failing to adhere to this command leads to numerous spiritual ev |
|
Some Indirect Ways of Lying by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller addresses the various forms of untruthfulness, emphasizing that lies can be conveyed through tone, emphasis, and even statistics. He categorizes lies into three types: |
|
A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and |