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Proverbs 26

World English Bible

WEB

1Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. 2Like a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow, so the undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest. 3A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools! 4Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence. 7Like the legs of the lame that hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. 9Like a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10As an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool or he who hires those who pass by. 11As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly. 12Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!” 14As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed. 15The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. 16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer with discretion. 17Like one who grabs a dog’s ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own. 18Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death, 19is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?” 20For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. 21As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife. 22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts. 23Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart. 24A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors evil in his heart. 25When his speech is charming, don’t believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 27Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him. 28A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 26 presents a series of wise sayings that emphasize the importance of discernment and the consequences of foolishness. The chapter begins with a reminder that just as snow in summer and rain in harvest are out of place, so is honor given to a fool (#fool). This sets the tone for the contrast between wisdom and folly that permeates the chapter. The text warns against engaging with foolish individuals, as their actions can lead to unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding. For instance, verses 4 and 5 provide a striking juxtaposition: one advises not to answer a fool according to his folly, while the other suggests answering him according to his folly, highlighting the complexity of dealing with foolishness in various situations. This duality encourages readers to seek wisdom in their responses and interactions with others.

The chapter continues with vivid imagery and metaphors to illustrate the characteristics of the foolish. It describes the fool as one who is like a dog returning to its vomit (#dog), emphasizing the absurdity of repeating foolish behaviors. Additionally, it warns that a sluggard, or lazy person, is more concerned with their own comfort than with productivity, leading to a life of missed opportunities. The chapter concludes with a reminder that those who are wise will be cautious in their dealings, while the fool will continue to bring trouble upon themselves. Overall, Proverbs 26 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wisdom, discernment, and the consequences of foolishness in our daily lives.

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Referenced by

  1. Esther 7:10v27Esther 7:10 describes Haman being hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai. Proverbs 26:27 warns that whoever digs a pit will fall into it, illustrating the principle of poetic justice seen in Haman's downfall.
  2. Isaiah 50:11v18Isaiah 50:11 warns against those who kindle their own fire and walk by their own light, leading to sorrow. Proverbs 26:18-19 warns against self-deception and folly, emphasizing the danger of relying on one's own understanding rather than God's wisdom.

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