I was reading briefly and reflecting on Proverbs 26 today, and when I reached verse 24 I was upset.  I don’t know why because I wasn’t surprised at what it said, but I am still trying to find out why human nature leans toward behaving this way.

It reads:  “People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you.” NLT version 

I want to know what makes us cover up our true intentions.  Why can’t we truly be real with one another.  I mean if we really don’t care for a person why can’t we just let them know and know why so that we can get passed the issue.  And who knows maybe the issue will be dealt with and you’ll no longer have to dislike that person.

Then it goes on to display even further the wickedness of a person in verse 25.  People go to the extreme of pretending.  Pretending to be kind.  Pretending to like what you have on. Pretending to agree with what you have said.  Pretending to be happy for your marriage, your successes or advances in life, etc.  These are the people I hear referred to as being fake.  They smile in your face while all the time trying to take your place.  The bible instructs in that same verse, “but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.”  We are not to believe or trust those kinds of people, but how will we know what kind of people to watch out for?

Verse 26: “While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.”

From reading this verse it tells me all I have to do is keep my eyes open.  All evil deeds will be discovered in the light of day.  Public exposure of the true fruit one bears can never be hidden forever.  So what then are we to do?  I propose that we make sure we are not this kind of person.  Love one another and even go as far as to love your enemies.  Love them enough to tell them why you don’t like them and maybe, just maybe you’ll make a friend.

Be wise.