He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

PROVERBS 10:18KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 10:18 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:18 mean?

Proverbs 10:18 says that someone who hides hatred by pretending with false words, or someone who spreads harmful stories about others, is acting foolishly. The verse warns that both covering up hate with lies and openly slandering others are foolish behaviors.

In this proverb, the writer (traditionally Solomon) is speaking to anyone seeking wisdom about how to live well. The verse points out two wrong ways of dealing with hatred: hiding it behind dishonest words or expressing it through slander. Both are called foolish, showing that neither silent resentment nor open malice is wise.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:18

  • "hideth" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to cover or conceal. Here, it describes someone who tries to hide their hatred instead of dealing with it honestly, which the proverb criticizes.
  • "lying" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word refers to falsehood or deception. The verse connects lying lips with hidden hatred, showing that dishonesty is not just about words but also about hiding true feelings.
  • "slander" (דִּבָּה, dibbah): This word means spreading damaging or false reports. The proverb pairs slander with hidden hatred, making clear that both silent and spoken harm are foolish.
  • "fool" (כְּסִיל, kesil): This word often means someone who rejects wisdom or acts without understanding. Calling such a person a fool emphasizes that these actions are not just wrong but also senseless.

Why Proverbs 10:18 matters

  • Proverbs 10:18 clarifies that both silent hatred and open slander are harmful, not just one or the other. This helps readers see that wisdom is not just about what is said, but also about what is hidden.
  • The verse warns against thinking that hiding hatred is harmless. It shows that pretending with "lying lips" is just as foolish as openly attacking someone with words.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs 10, which contrasts wise and foolish behavior, this verse highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships.

Where else these words appear

“slander” Hebrew H1681 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 37:2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
  • Numbers 14:36 And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,
  • Proverbs 25:10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

“hatred” Hebrew H8135 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 35:20 But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
  • Psalms 109:3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.
  • Proverbs 26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

“fool” Hebrew H3684 · used in 69 verses

  • Psalms 49:10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
  • Proverbs 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
  • Proverbs 26:10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

“lying” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.