Proverbs 26:1-28 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

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Bible Comments

Verse Proverbs 26:2. Therefore, if the heart knows that a curse is unjust it may rest in the certainty that it cannot harm.

Verses Proverbs 26:3-12. In this group of proverbs the fool is the subject. The true method of dealing with him is that of chastisement. Caution is needed in answering him lest his folly be shared; and, on the other hand, lest he be not reproved. The fool is not to be trusted. A parable of a fool is useless. Give a fool honor, and it is to offer it where it is useless. The parable of a fool pierces himself. To hire a fool is to ensure the ruin of work. A fool is preeminently a fool because he relishes his folly. The greatest fool is the fool who does not know he is a fool.

Verses Proverbs 26:13-16. Four proverbs dealing with the slothful. He is a coward. He is the slave of habit. He is incapable of supporting himself. He is preeminently conceited.

Verses Proverbs 26:17-23. Here are proverbs describing the evil practices and pernicious effects of the meddlesome man.

Verses Proverbs 26:24-28. These proverbs describe the method and punishment of the loveless.

Related Commentaries of Proverbs 26:1

Proverbs 26:1-28

1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.a

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.b

7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8 As he that bindethc a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10 The greatd God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.e

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grievethf him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

17 He that passeth by, and meddlethg with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands,h arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20 Where noi wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hateth dissemblethj with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

25 When he speakethk fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.