Meditations at the Mercy Seat Proverbs 26:21-26 All About Fools, Part 5

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Proverbs 26:21–26

[21] As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,

so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

[22] The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the inner parts of the body.

[23] Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel

are fervent lips with an evil heart.

[24] Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips

and harbors deceit in his heart;

[25] when he speaks graciously, believe him not,

for there are seven abominations in his heart;

[26] though his hatred be covered with deception,

his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. (ESV)

All About Fools, Part 5

v.21 This proverb uses the same analogy as the previous verse, this time illustrating that just as the fuel is to a fire, someone who habitually causes strife fuels fights between himself and others.

v.22 This verse is identical to Proverbs 18:8. Those who spread gossip break the eighth commandment by disseminating rumors and innuendo, and those who listen to their gossip break the same commandment. Malicious gossip usually contains both truth and lies, and they corrupt the soul down to the “inner parts of the body.” See also James 1:26; 3:1-18.

v.23 This proverb is the first of four about scheming. Here, a schemer hides his agenda beneath a thin layer of apparent good intentions. These seemingly good words hide his evil intent. The Wise are able to discern this deception, just like a cheap coat of glaze cannot hide the fact that a pot is made of common clay.

v.24-26 This three-verse proverb expands on verse twenty-three: Someone who seeks to conceal their scheming by their pretty words. Taking this proverb to heart gives the Wise instruction in discerning a schemer and that they have seven hateful things in their heart. For more, go back to the posts about Proverbs 6:16-19. While the sinner goes to great lengths to hide what is in his heart, all will be revealed on the last day for all to see (Luke 8:17; Revelation 20:11–15; Zechariah 4:10; Hebrews 4:13).