Confusion Rocks!

(Proverbs 10:18 KJV)  He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

I greet this verse with furled brow and clouded eyes.  It might help to compare the NASB.

(Proverbs 10:18 NAS77)  He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool.

I was talking with an English teacher last night and he was expressing his frustration in trying to teach children the parts of speech.  It is hard to understand what God is saying to us if we don’t understand the basics of language.  Notice the differences between the NASB and the KJV.  One uses “has” and the other “with.”  Notice that in each translation they are marked to show that they are not in the original Hebrew.  Which is correct?  Who knows?  Ask yourself which makes more sense.  Notice the commas.  Placing them changes the meaning.

Let me offer my paraphrase:

“A fool lies about his hatred and spreads the hatred of others with slander.” (PPP, Pumice Pathetic Paraphrase)

It is a paraphrase because I don’t know Hebrew well enough to call it a translation.  It is as good as many “translations” because it expresses my opinion.

So what am I trying to say?  Good question.  Don’t ask.  Education is important.  It helps you think your way through things that can be confusing.  In summary:  Lies are bad.  Slander is bad.  Thinking is good.  Now you know.  Apply it.