William Clarkson states, "Next to knowing God, and to acquainting ourselves with our own hearts, is the duty of studying men and discerning between the lacquered potsherd and the pure silver." A "lacquered potsherd" refers to "earthenware covered with silver dross" (Proverbs 26:23b). Solomon warns in this verse and those that follow about the danger of flamboyant lies and flattering lips. Let me point out the word pictures in this profound passage.

First, there is the warm profession of fervent affection and friendship. Proverbs 26:23 reads, "Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross." Steve Irwin, an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, wildlife educator and environmentalist known as "The Crocodile Hunter" once said, "Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill you and eat you. People are harder. Sometimes they pretend to be your friend." Fake friends can be dangerous and even deadly. When it comes to friendship, quality is better than quantity. Remember "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24b) and His name is Jesus. Friendship with Jesus is the key to true friendships.

Second, there is the wicked practice of false appearance and flattery. Proverbs 26:24-25 reads, "He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart." Things and people are not always as they appear. That is why it is important for us to learn to discern. After encountering the ill effects of flattery David sounds the alarm in Psalm 12:2-3, "They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things." He also describes a flatterer in Psalm 55:21, "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords." Don't fall for flattery.

Third, there is the woeful principle of full accountability and facts. Proverbs 26:26 reads, "Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly." These days we hear a lot about "fact checkers," who do not have all the facts, but the Lord has all the facts on every facet of your life. Hebrews 4:13 reads, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Charles H. Spurgeon said, "Alas, there are many who dwell among God's people at this time and have a name and a place among them who are sinners and not saints — hypocrites and not Believers — and these will, before long, be discovered and dismayed."

Solomon also warns in Proverbs 26:28, "A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." Beloved believers beware of flamboyant lies and flattering lips.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.