Mouth Full of Honey, but a Sword in the Belly

Meaning

“Kǒumì Fùjiàn (口蜜腹劍)” is a Chinese idiom composed of four Chinese characters: “mouth (口),” “honey (蜜),” “Stomach (Belly) (腹),” and “sword (劍).” The phrase translates to “Mouth Full of Honey, but a Sword in the Belly,” describing someone who speaks sweetly yet harbors ill intentions. Outwardly, they appear kind and supportive, but inwardly, they may be hostile or seek to harm others.

Origin

The term Kǒumì Fùjiàn originates from the Tang Dynasty in China, particularly associated with the figure Li Linfu (李林甫), who served under Emperor Xuanzong. Li Linfu was noted for his gentle smile and calm demeanor, never displaying discomfort even when dealing with those he disliked. His affable and agreeable personality earned him a reputation for harmonious relationships with others. Despite this outward appearance, Li Linfu is regarded as a key figure in the Tang Dynasty’s decline and is remembered as one of the most notorious traitors in Chinese history. His actions were seen as purely hypocritical and sycophantic, driven by a desire for power.

The Protagonist: Li Linfu, the Worst Traitor of the Tang Dynasty

Li Linfu, though born into a prestigious family, was not inclined toward scholarly pursuits. Instead, he showed proficiency in music, art, martial arts, and other cultural and physical activities, earning a reputation among officials as a fashionable figure. Beginning his career as a low-ranking official, Li Linfu excelled in political maneuvering to amass power. He strategically focused on cultivating relationships with individuals lacking formal authority, such as eunuchs and concubines, who were in close proximity to the emperor and thus well-acquainted with his values and preferences. By obtaining insights through these individuals, Li Linfu in meetings was able to present tailored opinions that aligned closely with the emperor’s perspectives, ultimately positioning himself as the official who most accurately understood the emperor’s inner thoughts.

Eunuchs and concubines frequently endorsed Li Linfu to the emperor, portraying him as a virtuous and exemplary official. This praise led Li Linfu to gain prominence at court, and over time, he established himself as a trusted and favored minister of the emperor. Despite his lack of scholarly distinction or governing abilities, his skill in flattery alone enabled him to rise as a candidate for the position of chancellor, effectively positioning him as the emperor’s right-hand man.

The Emperor Misled by Deceptive Schemes and the Displacement of His Loyal Officials

Chancellor Zhang Guiling

Li Linfu encountered a significant obstacle on his path to the chancellorship. He was Zhang Guiling, the incumbent chancellor. Zhang Guiling excelled in various aspects, including character and scholarship, far surpassing Li Linfu. Convinced that his aspirations for the chancellorship were unattainable while Zhang Guiling held the position, Li Linfu began to formulate a scheme to remove him from office.

Li Linfu never disclosed his true intentions, consistently greeting Zhang Guiling with a humble demeanor while maintaining a smiling facade during their interactions. His duplicity was so effective that even the capable Zhang Guiling failed to recognize his underlying motives. While pretending to be an ally, Li Linfu ultimately betrayed Zhang Guiling at a critical moment.

During the Tang Dynasty, there was a general named Wu Suangke, known for his exceptional management of his jurisdiction and army. A proposal emerged in the court to promote Wu Suangke to a high-ranking position; however, Zhang Guiling opposed this, contending that appointing a frontier general directly to a senior role was inconsistent with established protocols. Zhang Guiling suggested that he and Li Linfu jointly present this viewpoint to the emperor, to which Li Linfu consented. However, when the two appeared before the emperor, Li Linfu remained silent while Zhang Guiling articulated his concerns. Then, Li Linfu provided advice to Wu Suangke in private. 
“It is Zhang Guiling’s opposition that prevents you from coming to the court, so when you face the emperor, show your loyalty by crying.” 

Wu Suangke adhered to Li Linfu’s advice, prompting the emperor to reassess the situation by observing Wu Suangke’s demeanor and soliciting the opinions of his ministers once more. While Zhang Guiling maintained his opposition to Wu Suangke’s promotion, Li Linfu shifted his position. He contended that acknowledging a general’s abilities and offering appropriate rewards aligned with the emperor’s intentions and should not be a matter for ministerial debate. The emperor agreed to follow Li Linfu’s counsel, commending him for his practical and adaptable approach.

Emperor Xuanzong once proposed the relocation of the capital city. This suggestion was met with opposition from loyal officials, including Zhang Guiling, who argued that there was no compelling reason for such a move, highlighting the significant costs and the burden of destroying the fields of the common people. Although Emperor Xuanzong acknowledged their concerns, he felt uneasy about their resistance. At this juncture, Li Linfu expressed support for the emperor, contending that issues related to the people’s finances and agriculture could be resolved by exempting them from taxes. He emphasized that if the emperor had made a decision, it warranted careful consideration rather than outright opposition.

During the appointment of regional governors by the emperor, Zhang Guiling opposed the decision, arguing that it was inappropriate to assign individuals lacking scholarly qualifications to such positions. In contrast, Li Linfu supported the emperor, contending that knowledge could be acquired through study, while talent is not solely dependent on education. He emphasized that candidates should be evaluated and selected based on a diverse set of criteria.

When the emperor announced his intention to depose the crown prince, Zhang Guiling vehemently opposed the decision. Although Li Linfu initially concurred with Zhang Guiling’s stance, his behavior altered in the presence of the emperor. While Zhang Guiling fervently argued against the crown prince’s deposition, Li Linfu remained silent, akin to one who is mute. Instead, he opted to delivered his opinions to the emperor through the eunuchs.
“The crown prince’s deposition is a family matter of the emperor, and it is disrespectful for a servant to intervene in such issues.”
Upon hearing this, the emperor dismissed Zhang Guiling and the other ministers who consistently opposed his views. Subsequently, he appointed Li Linfu to the vacant position of chancellor.

After ascending to the position of chancellor, Li Linfu persisted in undermining those who surpassed him, orchestrating their removal from office. He assigned experienced officials to provincial posts and personally administered the civil service examinations, ensuring that all high-performing candidates failed. Li Linfu justified his actions to the emperor by claiming that all the talented individuals appeared to be already present in the court. 

A Great Nation Captured by a Flattering Tongue

Emperor Xuanzong increasingly placed his trust in Li Linfu, believing that his role as chancellor helped to avert significant issues within the court. An official named Zhu Zaliang submitted a petition asserting that “Li Linfu is unfit for the chancellorship,” which resulted in his exile. This occurred primarily because Li Linfu only offered the emperor agreeable opinions while effectively silencing dissenting voices from other ministers and the common people. Individuals genuinely committed to serving the nation faced repercussions and were unable to approach the emperor. As a result, capable officials gradually vanished from the court, leaving it dominated by sycophants like Li Linfu. 

Emperor Xuanzong delegated all state affairs to Li Linfu while engaging in leisure activities with Yang Guifei. During this time, Li Linfu manipulated the government for his personal gain. Despite the deterioration of the Tang Dynasty’s previously efficient and systematic political, economic, and military structures, Li Linfu retained his position as chancellor until shortly before his death. His misconduct became apparent only after his passing. Although Emperor Xuanzong eventually regained clarity regarding the situation, the state had already entered an irreparable state of decline.

The common people suffered from excessive tax exploitation, which, combined with economic hardships, led to a decline in public morale. Throughout Li Linfu’s 17 years as chancellor, the military system also experienced significant weakening. The central government became dominated by sycophants and lacked capable officials, resulting in diminished control. This environment proved conducive to rebellion, enabling regional warlords to independently strengthen their power.

Ultimately, Emperor Xuanzong was forced to abdicate the throne following the outbreak of the An Lushan Rebellion four years later. Historians regard this rebellion as one of the key factors contributing to the decline of the Tang Dynasty. The sycophantic flattery of Li Linfu played a significant role in the downfall of the empire during its golden age. His actions, which are seen as instrumental in the Tang Dynasty’s decline, have been recorded in history, serving as a lasting symbol of “two-facedness (Honeyed Words, Daggered Heart).”

Beware of the Two-Faced: “Two-Facedness” in the Bible

It is important to remain vigilant against individuals whose outward appearance contrasts with their true nature. Regardless of how kind someone may appear, they may harbor ulterior motives that could harm others. This principle is particularly relevant in the context of faith, as the Bible cautions against those who practice “two-facedness,” concealing their true intentions to undermine the spiritual well-being of others

A notable example of “two-facedness” in the Bible is found in the Garden of Eden.

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.

NLT, Ge 3:1–6

In the Garden of Eden, the serpent approached Eve, ostensibly offering guidance by stating, “You will not die if you eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; rather, you will become like God.” This statement, however, was a deceitful ploy aimed at leading Adam and Eve to their downfall. Enticed by the serpent’s alluring words, Eve found the tree to be attractive and desirable. Ultimately, deceived by the serpent’s two-facedness, Adam and Eve were compelled to eat from the tree, resulting in their inevitable demise. 

Watch Out for False Prophets

Jesus also taught to be cautious of those who are different on the outside and inside. 

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Mt 7:15

Jesus warned to “watch out for false prophets.” They approach with the outward appearance of good and kind sheep, but their true nature is like that of wolves seeking to harm lives. However, many people are deceived by the appearance of false prophets and follow them, ultimately losing their souls.

Jesus also compared false prophets, who are different on the outside and inside, to “whitewashed tombs.”

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness [lawlessness, NASB].

Mt 23:27–28

Whitewashing refers to the act of applying lime to make something appear clean and bright. However, a tomb is filled with the bones and decaying remains of the dead. No matter how clean the exterior may look, this fact remains unchanged. By comparing false prophets to “whitewashed tombs,” Jesus indicated that, though they may disguise themselves as God’s prophets outwardly, they are filled with “lawlessness,” which God finds detestable.

In the Bible, “lawlessness” refers to anything that God has not commanded or is not part of God’s law. In simple terms, it is the act of creating and observing rules that are not found in the Bible, treating them as commandments. Jesus firmly taught that those who practice lawlessness cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers [YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS, NASB]!’

Mt 7:22–23

If one is deceived by the two-facedness of false prophets, the outcome can only be destruction, much like Emperor Xuanzong, who was misled by Li Linfu and forced to abdicate the throne.

Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Isa 9:16

What is the way to avoid being deceived by the two-facedness of false prophets? It is simpler than you might think: it is to maintain a Bible-centered faith. By focusing your faith on the Scriptures, where God’s words are recorded, you will not be swayed by the words of false prophets. This is because false prophets use statements that are not found in the Bible to deceive people.

Her prophets . . . say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says’—when the LORD has not spoken.

Eze 22:28

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’

Mt 15:8–9

False prophets are still on the lookout for those to devour today (1 Pe 5:8), often much closer than one might think. 

“Are the commandments I am keeping truly found in the Bible?” “What commandments has God instructed me to observe?” It is time to open the Scriptures and verify this. Acting according to the teachings of the Bible is the only way to protect my soul. This is why we must maintain a faith centered on the Scriptures.

Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.

Jn 8:51

[Reference]

• “Li Linfu, the Treacherous Minister Who Deceived the Wise Ruler . . . Sweet Words, a Blade in His Heart,” Maeil Business Newspaper, August 24, 2016.
• “Kill Jesus,” Sisa Inside