Proverbs 10:18
Proverbs 10:18 in Multiple Translations
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
He that hideth hatred is of lying lips; And he that uttereth a slander is a fool.
Hate is covered up by the lips of the upright man, but he who lets out evil about another is foolish.
Anyone who hides their hatred is lying, and anyone who spreads slander is stupid.
He that dissembleth hatred with lying lips, and he that inuenteth slaunder, is a foole.
Whoso is covering hatred with lying lips, And whoso is bringing out an evil report is a fool.
He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Lying lips hide hatred: he that uttereth reproach is foolish.
Those who will not admit that they hate others are liars, and those who slander others are foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:18
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 10:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
שִׂ֭נְאָה
שִׂפְתֵי
שָׁ֑קֶר
וּ/מוֹצִ֥א
דִ֝בָּ֗ה
ה֣וּא
כְסִֽיל
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel
שִׂ֭נְאָה
sinʼâh
H8135
hating
N-fs
שִׂפְתֵי
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
שָׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
וּ/מוֹצִ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil
דִ֝בָּ֗ה
dibbâh
H1681
slander
N-fs
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
כְסִֽיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:18
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
שִׂ֭נְאָה
sinʼâh
H8135
"hating"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means to hate or have hatred towards someone or something. It can describe the hatred people have towards God or towards each other, and it appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) hating, hatred, hate 1a) hatred 1a1) of man, God
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] exceedingly, hate(-ful, -red). See also: Numbers 35:20; Proverbs 10:12; Psalms 25:19.
שִׂפְתֵי
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.
שָׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
וּ/מוֹצִ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
דִ֝בָּ֗ה
dibbâh
H1681
"slander"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to slander or evil reports, as seen in Leviticus 19:16 where God warns against spreading false rumors.
Definition: 1) whispering, defamation, evil report 1a) whispering 1b) defamation, defaming 1c) evil report, unfavourable saying
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defaming, evil report, infamy, slander. See also: Genesis 37:2; Psalms 31:14; Proverbs 10:18.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כְסִֽיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:18
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
16The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment.
17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. 20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:24–26 | A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. |
| 2 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 3:27 | When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. |
| 4 | Psalms 15:3 | who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 13:23–29 | Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?” “No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. “If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked. But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons. Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule. |
| 6 | Luke 20:20–21 | So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. |
| 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. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 11:8–15 | Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him. But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house. And David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” “Haven’t you just arrived from a journey?” David asked Uriah. “Why didn’t you go home?” Uriah answered, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!” “Stay here one more day,” David said to Uriah, “and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. Then David invited Uriah to eat and drink with him, and he got Uriah drunk. And in the evening Uriah went out to lie down on his cot with his master’s servants, but he did not go home. The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 18:21–22 | “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” |
| 10 | Psalms 101:5 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. |
Proverbs 10:18 Summary
This verse teaches us that hiding our true feelings of anger or hatred towards someone can lead to lying and hurting others, as seen in Proverbs 10:18. It also warns us that spreading false or damaging information about someone is foolish and sinful, as cautioned in Exodus 23:1. To live out this verse, we should strive to speak truthfully and kindly, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32, and to love and forgive others, as commanded in Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 John 2:9-11. By doing so, we can build strong, honest relationships and bring glory to God, as described in Proverbs 27:5-6 and Proverbs 24:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'conceal hatred' in Proverbs 10:18?
Concealing hatred refers to hiding or disguising one's true feelings of anger or resentment towards someone, often with the intention of manipulating or deceiving them, as seen in the example of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27:1-40. This can lead to lying lips and a breakdown of trust in relationships.
Is spreading slander the same as gossiping?
While gossiping and spreading slander are related, spreading slander typically involves intentionally sharing false or damaging information about someone, as warned against in Exodus 23:1, whereas gossiping may involve sharing true but unnecessary or hurtful information, as cautioned in Proverbs 11:13.
Why is the person who spreads slander called a 'fool' in this verse?
The person who spreads slander is called a fool because they are acting recklessly and sinfully, as described in Proverbs 10:18, and will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, as seen in Proverbs 26:26-28 and Psalm 101:5.
How can I apply this verse to my own life and relationships?
To apply this verse, examine your own heart and words, and ask God to help you speak truthfully and kindly, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32, and to root out any hidden hatred or resentment, as warned against in 1 John 2:9-11 and Matthew 5:21-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be concealing hatred or spreading slander in my own life, and how can I repent and change?
- How do I balance being honest and speaking the truth with being kind and gentle in my words, as seen in Proverbs 15:1 and Proverbs 12:18?
- What are some common temptations or situations that might lead me to conceal hatred or spread slander, and how can I prepare myself to respond in a godly way, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:10-12?
- How can I cultivate a heart of love and kindness, rather than hatred and slander, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and Colossians 3:8-10?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:18
He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips,.... Or he whose "lying lips hide hatred", which is much the same; who pretends to be a friend, and outwardly behaves as one, but inwardly nourishes and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:18
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
With lying lips; with flattering words and false pretences of friendship. And he, Heb. he, i. e both of them, one no less than the other. So he condemneth two opposite vices, secret hatred and manifest slander. Is a fool, because a sinner, and because the mischief of these things will fall upon himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool.Ver. 18. He that hideth hatred, &c.] These are dangerous creatures that thus lie at the catch, and wait advantages to do a man mischief, as Cain dealt by Abel, Absalom by Amnon, Joab by Amasa, Judas by Jesus. Tuta frequensque via est, &c. And he that uttereth a slander is a fool.] Because he hath no command of his passions, as the former seems to have, because close in cloaking his malice, who yet is a fool too before God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
(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” (khesîl: 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, Psalms 41:6). Is a fool.—For he does mischief to his neighbour, and only gets ill-will for himself.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
Verse 18. He that hideth] This is a common case. How many, when full of resentment, and deadly hatred, meditating revenge and cruelty, and sometimes even murder, have pretended that they thought nothing of the injury they had sustained; had passed by the insult, &c.! Thus lying lips covered the malevolence of a wicked heart.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:18
18. with lying lips] Rather, is of lying lips, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:18
Better, He who hideth hatred is of lying lips. He who cherishes hatred, is either a knave, or a fool - a knave if he hides, a fool if he utters it.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
18. Hideth — îëñä, (mekhasseh,) covereth. (See Proverbs 10:6; Proverbs 10:12.) Lying lips — Hebrews, lips of lying: the Hebrew way of saying, He is a liar.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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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: |
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The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |
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Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire |
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Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys |
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The Defeated Father by Emanuel Esh | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of defeat in our homes and provides guidance on how to overcome it. He shares his own experience of raising four daughters and how t |
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Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu |