when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;
There is cause to complain, not only of the want of sincerity in men's profession of friendship, and that they do not love so well as they pretend nor will serve their friends so much as they promise, but, which is much worse, of wicked designs in the profession of friendship, and the making of it subservient to the most malicious intentions.
Commenting on Proverbs 26:24-26
Whose hatred is covered by deceit,.... The hatred of whose heart is covered by deceitful words, and strong expressions of love and esteem; so that those to whom they are made are deceived by them. Or, whose "hatred is covered in a waste or desert place" (n); it being not seen; as what is done in desert places is not obvious to view, being little...
Sentiment of Pro 26:24 carried out. seven abominations in his heart--that is, very many (compare Pro 24:16).