The Seven Abominations of Deception in Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26

1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool.

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

6 He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage.

7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8 As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool.

9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

10 The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors.

11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.

12 See you a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turns on his hinges, so does the slothful on his bed.

15 The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

17 He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and says, Am not I in sport?

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;

25 When he speaks fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.

27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.

While the specific list of seven things God hates is famously recorded in Proverbs 6 the writings of inspiration regarding Proverbs 26 reveal a deep and serious look at the nature of deception and the spirit of the enemyTEd 144.2. Specifically, the deceptive actions of one who feigns kindness while harboring malice are a profound offense to the CreatorTEd 144.2+1.

The Danger of Deceptive Conduct

A primary concern in this chapter involves the individual who disguises a heart full of hatred with gracious wordsTEd 144.2+1. The Bible warns that such a person is like a maniac who shoots deadly firebrands and arrows while claiming they are only joking Proverbs 26:18-19. This behavior is characterized by several spiritual abominations:

• Lying and Flattery: A lying tongue is a direct offense to God, as He is the author of truthPP 506.1+1. Flattery is often used as a tool to work ruin upon a neighbor Proverbs 26:28.

• Malicious Deception: One who speaks fair but has seven abominations in their heart is practicing a form of hypocrisy that God abhors Proverbs 26:24-253LtMs, Lt 24, 1882, par. 19.

• The Spirit of Satan: When the heart is not purified by grace, it becomes a storehouse for traits like envy, jealousy, and malice, which are the very attributes of the fallen angelEW 274.1+1.

• Misrepresentation of Motive: Misrepresenting the motives of others or blackening their reputation is considered as terrible in its results as the practice of cannibalismTEd 144.2.

• Self-Justification: Those who practice such evil traits often throw a cloak of religion over their crimes to hide their true character from men5BC 1098.5+1.

• Gossip and Backbiting: The words of a talebearer are described as deep wounds, and those who engage in backbiting are classed with the haters of God Proverbs 26:22TEd 144.2.

• Contentious Speech: Just as coals are to burning coals and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife Proverbs 26:21.

The Remedy for the Heart

True conversion is the only way to remove these abominations from the soul1888 1312.1+1. God calls for the heart to be renewed because out of it are the issues of life Proverbs 4:23PP 460.1. We must seek the Lord with the whole heart, realizing that He knows every secret thought and reads the intent of every soul16MR 234.1+1. If we cherish sin or malice in our hearts, our very prayers become an abomination to the LordGW92 36.1+1.

Walking in Integrity

Instead of the deceptive paths of the wicked, we are encouraged to follow the path of the just, which shines more and more unto the perfect day Proverbs 4:18HDL 50.2. This involves:

• Speaking the truth from the heart Psalm 15:2.

• Avoiding all sharp practices or fraud in business dealings2MCP 437.5+1.

• Letting our "Yes" be "Yes" and our "No" be "No" Matthew 5:37.

• Cultivating the law of kindness on our tongues Proverbs 31:26MH 359.4.

Those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be those who have overcome every abomination and have found victory through the blood of Jesus Revelation 21:2718LtMs, Lt 162, 1903, par. 21.