Proverbs 26 Commentary
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Proverbs 26, nestled within the larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25:1) gathered by later scribes, delves into the contrasting realms of foolishness, laziness, and conflict. Echoing themes found throughout the book, this chapter offers practical wisdom for navigating these challenging aspects of life. Let's explore the key insights this chapter holds for us.
The Nature and Danger of Foolishness (Proverbs 26:1-12)
The opening verses of Proverbs 26 present a series of stark criticisms aimed at the "fool." In the context of Proverbs, a "fool" isn't simply someone lacking intelligence; rather, it refers to a person who has actively rejected God's wisdom, common sense, and truth (Proverbs 1:7). Honor is as inappropriate for a fool as snow in summer or rain in harvest (Proverbs 26:1). A fool's mouth spews an undeserved curse rather than a gracious blessing (Proverbs 26:2). The only thing he earns for himself is punishment (Proverbs 26:3).
These proverbs caution against entrusting authority or power to such individuals, highlighting their resistance to correction and emphasizing the crucial distinction between merely repeating wisdom and genuinely applying it. Just because someone can recite wise sayings doesn't mean they possess the understanding or character to use them appropriately. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! (Proverbs 26:3).
Interestingly, Proverbs 26:4-5 presents what seems like contradictory advice: "Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." Sometimes, when dealing with a fool, the best policy is to ignore him so that you don’t entangle yourself in his ways (Proverbs 26:4). At other times, the wiser choice may be to respond to the fool using his own argument to demonstrate how silly he is (Proverbs 26:5). Understanding the context is key. Ignoring the fool prevents you from being dragged down to their level of irrationality. However, at times, directly addressing their folly can expose its absurdity, potentially leading them (and others) to recognize their error. Paul followed the latter course in 2 Corinthians (see 2 Cor 11:16-27). The false apostles boasted in themselves. Paul did too—but he “boasted” in his weakness so that God got all the glory.
Ultimately, Solomon makes clear that a fool—the one who rejects the wisdom God offers—has no redeeming value. He’s pathetic and has nothing to offer. Why would anyone choose his way? Yet young people do so every day. Parents, love your children enough to teach them—and model for them—that life lived from the divine point of view will bring them blessing and joy.
The Pitfalls of Laziness (Proverbs 26:13-16)
Next, the chapter turns its attention to the vice of laziness, personified by the "sluggard"—someone lacking energy and motivation. The sluggard says, “There’s a lion on the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” (Proverbs 26:13). Avoiding labor is the slacker’s priority, so he’s never lacking for excuses—no matter how preposterous they are (Proverbs 26:13). An exaggerated criticism pictures the person as so lazy they can't even bring food to their mouth. As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed (Proverbs 26:14). The slacker buries his hand in the bowl; he is too weary to bring it to his mouth! (Proverbs 26:15).
These proverbs highlight the absurd excuses lazy individuals concoct to justify their inaction. They ignore reason and inflate obstacles to avoid fulfilling their responsibilities. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer sensibly (Proverbs 26:16). Some of Solomon’s descriptions of the lazy man are quite humorous—anything to get out of honest work. But there’s nothing funny about Paul’s prescription for the lazy in God’s kingdom: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat” (2 Thess 3:10). This laziness is not only unproductive but also a form of arrogance, stemming from a self-centered desire to avoid effort.
Navigating Conflict Wisely (Proverbs 26:17-28)
The final section of Proverbs 26 offers guidance on dealing with conflict. Intermeddling in someone else's quarrel is like seizing a dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17): risky and best avoided without a compelling reason. Solomon isn’t talking about someone who’s trying to bring reconciliation to those at odds with each other. He’s talking about a busybody who’s sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.
False accusations inflict lasting damage, and a simple apology ("I didn't mean it") cannot undo the harm caused. Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18-19). Harmless humor is one thing. But don’t assume you can deceive others, claim you were only joking, and escape the consequence of people hating you for it in the end.
Gossip and slander are particularly dangerous, acting as fuel for conflict, just as wood sustains a fire. Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down (Proverbs 26:20). Some people love to gossip and quarrel like they’re eating choice food (Proverbs 26:22). But gossip and quarreling are sins that plague our world and, unfortunately, many churches. Both serve as wood for the fire of conflict (Proverbs 26:20-21). Some have started gossip fires that burned up another’s reputation entirely. Remember, a person who will gossip to you will certainly gossip about you. It’s not the things that go in one ear and out the other that do the harm, but the things that go in one ear, get all mixed up, and come out of the mouth. When gossip is eliminated, conflict is snuffed out. See 11:13; 17:9.
The chapter also warns against those who mask evil intentions with charming words. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their heart (Proverbs 26:25). Outward appearances can be deceiving, and it's crucial to discern true character beneath a facade of pleasantries.
Proverbs 26 provides invaluable insights into avoiding foolishness, overcoming laziness, and navigating conflict with wisdom and discernment. By heeding these timeless principles, we can cultivate a life of greater understanding, productivity, and peace.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Proverbs 26, nestled within the larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25:1) gathered by later scribes, delves into the contrasting realms of foolishness, laziness, and conflict. Echoing themes found throughout the book, this chapter offers practical wisdom for navigating these challenging aspects of life. Let's explore the key insights this chapter holds for us.
The Nature and Danger of Foolishness (Proverbs 26:1-12)
The opening verses of Proverbs 26 present a series of stark criticisms aimed at the "fool." In the context of Proverbs, a "fool" isn't simply someone lacking intelligence; rather, it refers to a person who has actively rejected God's wisdom, common sense, and truth (Proverbs 1:7). Honor is as inappropriate for a fool as snow in summer or rain in harvest (Proverbs 26:1). A fool's mouth spews an undeserved curse rather than a gracious blessing (Proverbs 26:2). The only thing he earns for himself is punishment (Proverbs 26:3).
These proverbs caution against entrusting authority or power to such individuals, highlighting their resistance to correction and emphasizing the crucial distinction between merely repeating wisdom and genuinely applying it. Just because someone can recite wise sayings doesn't mean they possess the understanding or character to use them appropriately. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! (Proverbs 26:3).
Interestingly, Proverbs 26:4-5 presents what seems like contradictory advice: "Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." Sometimes, when dealing with a fool, the best policy is to ignore him so that you don’t entangle yourself in his ways (Proverbs 26:4). At other times, the wiser choice may be to respond to the fool using his own argument to demonstrate how silly he is (Proverbs 26:5). Understanding the context is key. Ignoring the fool prevents you from being dragged down to their level of irrationality. However, at times, directly addressing their folly can expose its absurdity, potentially leading them (and others) to recognize their error. Paul followed the latter course in 2 Corinthians (see 2 Cor 11:16-27). The false apostles boasted in themselves. Paul did too—but he “boasted” in his weakness so that God got all the glory.
Ultimately, Solomon makes clear that a fool—the one who rejects the wisdom God offers—has no redeeming value. He’s pathetic and has nothing to offer. Why would anyone choose his way? Yet young people do so every day. Parents, love your children enough to teach them—and model for them—that life lived from the divine point of view will bring them blessing and joy.
The Pitfalls of Laziness (Proverbs 26:13-16)
Next, the chapter turns its attention to the vice of laziness, personified by the "sluggard"—someone lacking energy and motivation. The sluggard says, “There’s a lion on the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” (Proverbs 26:13). Avoiding labor is the slacker’s priority, so he’s never lacking for excuses—no matter how preposterous they are (Proverbs 26:13). An exaggerated criticism pictures the person as so lazy they can't even bring food to their mouth. As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed (Proverbs 26:14). The slacker buries his hand in the bowl; he is too weary to bring it to his mouth! (Proverbs 26:15).
These proverbs highlight the absurd excuses lazy individuals concoct to justify their inaction. They ignore reason and inflate obstacles to avoid fulfilling their responsibilities. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer sensibly (Proverbs 26:16). Some of Solomon’s descriptions of the lazy man are quite humorous—anything to get out of honest work. But there’s nothing funny about Paul’s prescription for the lazy in God’s kingdom: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat” (2 Thess 3:10). This laziness is not only unproductive but also a form of arrogance, stemming from a self-centered desire to avoid effort.
Navigating Conflict Wisely (Proverbs 26:17-28)
The final section of Proverbs 26 offers guidance on dealing with conflict. Intermeddling in someone else's quarrel is like seizing a dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17): risky and best avoided without a compelling reason. Solomon isn’t talking about someone who’s trying to bring reconciliation to those at odds with each other. He’s talking about a busybody who’s sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.
False accusations inflict lasting damage, and a simple apology ("I didn't mean it") cannot undo the harm caused. Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18-19). Harmless humor is one thing. But don’t assume you can deceive others, claim you were only joking, and escape the consequence of people hating you for it in the end.
Gossip and slander are particularly dangerous, acting as fuel for conflict, just as wood sustains a fire. Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down (Proverbs 26:20). Some people love to gossip and quarrel like they’re eating choice food (Proverbs 26:22). But gossip and quarreling are sins that plague our world and, unfortunately, many churches. Both serve as wood for the fire of conflict (Proverbs 26:20-21). Some have started gossip fires that burned up another’s reputation entirely. Remember, a person who will gossip to you will certainly gossip about you. It’s not the things that go in one ear and out the other that do the harm, but the things that go in one ear, get all mixed up, and come out of the mouth. When gossip is eliminated, conflict is snuffed out. See 11:13; 17:9.
The chapter also warns against those who mask evil intentions with charming words. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their heart (Proverbs 26:25). Outward appearances can be deceiving, and it's crucial to discern true character beneath a facade of pleasantries.
Proverbs 26 provides invaluable insights into avoiding foolishness, overcoming laziness, and navigating conflict with wisdom and discernment. By heeding these timeless principles, we can cultivate a life of greater understanding, productivity, and peace.