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

PROVERBS 26:25KJV
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Proverbs 26:25 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 26:25 mean?

Proverbs 26:25 warns that when someone speaks kindly or flatteringly, you should not trust them, because deep inside, they may be hiding many evil intentions. The verse uses the image of “seven abominations” in the heart to show just how serious and hidden these bad motives can be.

This proverb is part of a section where wise sayings caution against trusting people who are deceitful or have a history of causing trouble. The speaker is offering practical advice to the listener, likely a young person or anyone seeking wisdom, about being careful with people whose words sound pleasant but whose hearts may be full of harmful plans.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 26:25

  • “fair” (חָנַן, ḥānan): This word often means to show favor or to be gracious, but here it carries the sense of someone using smooth, flattering speech to win trust. The verse suggests that such charm can be a mask for hidden motives.
  • “abominations” (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah): This word refers to things that are deeply detestable or morally offensive. Saying there are “seven abominations” in the heart stresses the seriousness and completeness of the person’s hidden evil.
  • “heart” (לֵב, lēv): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of a person’s thoughts, intentions, and character—not just emotions. The verse is pointing to the true inner life of the person, not just their outward words.

Why Proverbs 26:25 matters

  • Proverbs 26:25 clears up the idea that pleasant or flattering words always reveal a good heart; it warns that words can be used as a cover for bad intentions.
  • The verse emphasizes the need for discernment, showing that wisdom involves looking beyond surface appearances to what might be hidden inside a person.
  • This proverb connects to the wider theme in Proverbs about the dangers of trusting appearances and the importance of guarding oneself against deception.

Where else these words appear

“fair” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 102:14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

“believe” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

“abominations” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.