Proverbs 11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. This verse may be understood with a reference to all insincere professions of friendship and good intentions — to all insinuating and flattering pretensions, adopted for the purpose of affecting a particular end. How many are there who, for objects of their own deceive others; no matter what the result may be to the deceived, provided the deceiver but accomplish his selfish aim. In religion, the hypocrite has a purpose. His religion is not real. He assumes the cloak to cover some secret design. The verse itself suggests the design — the undermining of the principles of others. He insinuates himself into confidence. The confidence increasing, he becomes by degrees more and more bold, till, by slow steps, he unsettles the principles, shakes the faith, dissipates the seriousness, and ruins the souls of others. Hypocrites are awful stumbling blocks. (R. Wardlaw.) Parallel Verses KJV: An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. |
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