Proverbs 26:28 Meaning and Explanation
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A lying tongue hates those it harms, and flattery from the mouth of the dishonest brings ruin.
The Context of Proverbs 26:28
The chapter concludes by returning to destructive speech, tying lying and flattery as the ultimate corruptions of language.
What Does Proverbs 26:28 Mean?
The liar does not merely deceive; he expresses hatred through his falsehood. When his lie harms someone—causes them loss, shame, or worse—his lie reveals his hatred. The lying tongue is an instrument of malice, not just a tool of convenience.
Flattery is another form of lying. The one who flatters insincerely—with a false mouth designed to mislead—brings ruin to those who believe him. His words, seeming to lift you up, actually set you on a course toward destruction. Both lies and flattery are forms of hostility disguised as favour.
Proverbs 26:28 in the Original Language
sheker (שְׁקֶר), 'lying'—falsehood or deception at its most basic, the opposite of truth and reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 26:28
What does Proverbs 26:28 mean?
A lying tongue hates those it harms, and flattery from the mouth of the dishonest brings ruin.
What is the context of Proverbs 26:28?
The chapter concludes by returning to destructive speech, tying lying and flattery as the ultimate corruptions of language.