“When he speaks graciously, believe him not”: “He”, as in most Revised Standard Version renderings, is not to be taken as exclusively male. New Revised Standard Version revises this line to say “When an enemy speaks. . ..” The subject of this clause is the same as in verse 24. This line is literally “When his voice is gracious. . ..” “Graciously” means “tenderly,” “kindly,” or “in a friendly manner.” In some languages this is expressed as “sweet in your ear.” For “believe” see 14.15.

“For there are seven abominations in his heart”: For “seven abominations” see 6.16. “Seven”, as in verse 16, refers to an indefinite number; see Good News Translation “filled to the brim with hate.” We may translate this verse, for example, “When that person [referring to the one in verse 24] speaks in a kind way, don’t believe what he says, because he is filled with all kinds of wicked thoughts.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .