In this verse, two of his (or her!) qualities are discussed. At first glance, “whoever conceals hatred with lying lips” might not sound like such a bad person.
But “concealing hatred” is never healthy. Hatred really needs to be faced, addressed and then let go – not concealed!
One who “spreads slander” is simply a person who “passes along a negative report” about someone else. Even if it’s true – and frequently it isn’t – this is not an appropriate way to go through life and it certainly isn’t good for meaningful relationships.
The “fool” of this verse is a person who isn’t honest about his or her own feelings and is very willing to pass along bad news about others. This is not a nice person to live, work or deal with.
It can’t be any fun being that person either…So let’s not be that person!