Empty Words, Hollow Hearts

Day Seventy-One

Empty Words, Hollow Hearts (Read Proverbs 26:23-28)

²³ Smooth^[a] words may hide a wicked heart,
    just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

²⁴ People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
    but they're deceiving you.
²⁵ They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them.
    Their hearts are full of many evils.^[b]
26 While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
    their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

²⁷ If you set a trap for others,
    you will get caught in it yourself.
If you roll a boulder down on others,
    it will crush you instead.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and flattering words cause ruin.

Footnotes

1. 26:23 As in the Greek version, Hebrew reads Burning.
2. 26:25 Hebrew seven evils.

Reflection:

This unit of six proverbs focuses on the hypocrite. Verse 25 reveals its purpose is to warn the wise not to believe hypocrites. The unit is divided into two groups of three sayings: the first three describe the hypocrite's character (vv. 23–25), and the last three predict his demise (vv. 26–28).

In these verses, we find a sobering reminder of the dangers of deception and hypocrisy. The imagery of smooth words hiding a wicked heart is powerful. It's easy to be charmed by someone's eloquence or outward kindness, but Proverbs teaches us that such surface-level niceties can conceal deep-seated malice. For example, someone steals your purse or billfold and helps you look for it.

"No person for any considerable period can wear one face to themselves and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

The passage warns that those who harbor ill intentions and use trickery will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The traps they set for others will ensnare them, and the boulders they roll will crush them instead. This warning reminds us that God's justice will prevail, and the truth will come to light.

"The craftiest trickery is too short and ragged a cloak to cover a bad heart." ~ Johann Kaspar Lavater

The passage closes with a warning about the destructive power of lying and flattery. A lying tongue is not just an inconvenience or a minor flaw—it's an instrument of hate. Flattery, though it seems harmless, often leads to ruin when people use it to manipulate and deceive.

"False words are not only evil in themselves but infect the soul with evil." ~ Plato

God calls us to live with integrity, letting our words and actions reflect the truth in our hearts. He also calls us to be discerning, to recognize when others are not being truthful, and to guard our hearts against being swayed by empty words. Unfortunately, our egos will never grow extinct, making us imperfect and causing us all to fall short. If we live a Jesus-centered life, we constantly inventory our thoughts, desires, and actions. When we fall short, and we will, it's our responsibility to clean up our mess immediately and get back to living a spiritually principled life.  

Reflection Questions:

• Guard your heart: What will it take to be more mindful of the words and intentions behind them? How can you strive for honesty and integrity in all your interactions?
• Practice discernment: When will you stop allowing flattering words or outward appearances to sway you? What steps can you take to seek God's wisdom to see the truth in every situation?
• Trust in God's justice: When wronged, how can you trust that God will bring justice in His time? What steps must you take to avoid the temptation to retaliate or deceive in return?

The Challenge for the Day:

Today's challenge is to practice discernment and integrity in your interactions with others. Proverbs 26:23-28 warns us about the dangers of deceitful words and hidden motives. As you go through your day, pay attention to the words and actions of those around you, and ask God for the wisdom to see beyond surface-level appearances.

Prayer:

Father, help me to speak with integrity and truth, avoiding the temptation to deceive or flatter for my own gain. Give me discernment to see beyond empty words and to recognize the true intentions of others. I trust in Your justice, knowing that You will bring truth to light and protect me from the harm of deceit. Amen.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.