Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 26

Introduction

CHAPTER 26

:-.

Verse 1

1. The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied (Proverbs 17:7; Proverbs 19:10).

Verse 2

2. Though not obvious to us,

the bird—literally, "sparrow"—and

swallow—have an object in their motions, so penal evil falls on none without a reason.

Verse 3

3. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.

Verse 4

4, 5. Answer not—that is, approvingly by like folly.

Verse 5

5. Answer—by reproof.

Verse 6

6. A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed.

drinketh damage—that is, gets it abundantly (Job 15:16; Job 34:7).

Verse 7

7. legs . . . equal—or, "take away the legs," or "the legs . . . are weak." In any case the idea is that they are the occasion of an awkwardness, such as the fool shows in using a parable or proverb (see :-; Proverbs 17:7).

Verse 8

8. A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.

Verse 9

9. As vexatious and unmanageable as a thorn in a drunkard's hand is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt to misuse is as to use it rightly.

Verse 10

10. Various versions of this are proposed (compare Margin). Better perhaps—"Much He injures (or literally, "wounds") all who reward," &c., that is, society is injured by encouraging evil men.

transgressors—may be rendered "vagrants." The word "God" is improperly supplied.

Verse 11

11. returneth . . . folly—Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.

Verse 12

12. The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.

Verse 13

13. (Compare :-).

Verse 14

14. (Compare Proverbs 6:10; Proverbs 24:33).

Verse 15

15. (Compare :-).

Verse 16

16. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.

Verse 17

17. meddleth—as in Proverbs 20:19; Proverbs 24:21; as either holding a dog by the ears or letting him go involves danger, so success in another man's strife or failure involves a useless risk of reputation, does no good, and may do us harm.

Verse 18

18, 19. Such are reckless of results.

Verse 20

20, 21. The talebearers foster (Proverbs 16:28), and the contentious excite, strife.

Verse 22

22. (Compare :-).

Verse 23

23. Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.

Verse 24

24. dissembleth—though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.

Verse 25

25. Sentiment of :- carried out.

seven abominations in his heart—that is, very many (compare :-).

Verse 26

26, 27. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare Proverbs 12:13; Psalms 7:16; Psalms 9:17, &c.).

Verse 28

28. Men hate those they injure.

A lying tongue—"lips" for the persons (compare Proverbs 4:24; Psalms 12:3).