Proverbs 26
The Folly of Honoring FoolsThis section warns that it is common, but very wrong, to give honor or important positions to foolish people. Sometimes, people who do not have wisdom or good character are praised or put in power. This is as strange as seeing snow in summer or rain during harvest. When foolish or bad people are honored, it causes problems for everyone, because they often use their power badly and encourage more wrongdoing instead of good.v. 1: The verse says, “Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool” . This means that giving respect or important roles to foolish people is unnatural and harmful, just like snow in summer or rain at harvest time ruins the crops. When fools are honored, it brings disorder and trouble to society (Ecclesiastes 10:6 a). The Powerlessness of Unjust CursesThis section teaches that it is foolish and wrong to curse others without a good reason. Some people, especially those with power but no wisdom, may angrily wish harm on others. However, such curses have no real effect if the person being cursed is innocent. An undeserved curse will not harm the innocent, but will return to the one who spoke it.v. 2: The verse says, “Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight” . This means that a curse or harsh words spoken without a true reason will not stick or do any harm. It is like a bird flying overhead that does not land. Even when people curse others out of anger, as Goliath cursed David (1 Samuel 17:43 b), the curse will not hurt an innocent person. Instead, it will end up coming back to the one who spoke it. The Need to Correct the FoolThis section teaches us how to deal with foolish and wicked people. It shows that some people, because of their stubbornness and sin, are like animals that do not listen to reason. These people need strong correction and control, not honor or power.v. 3: Wicked people are compared to the horse and the ass. They act in ways that are unreasonable and hard to control, just as wild animals do. Sin makes people behave less like humans and more like untamed animals. As the Bible says, man is born like the wild ass's colt (Job 11:12 c). Some people change by God's grace and become wise, but others become more foolish through their sinful habits. As it also says, Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding (Psalm 32:9 d). Because of this, rulers and leaders should not honor fools (Proverbs 26:1 e), but instead should correct them. Just as a wild horse needs a whip for correction and an ass needs a bridle for guidance, a foolish person needs to be rebuked and punished so they learn not to do wrong again. This helps keep them and others from more harm. How to Answer a FoolThis section teaches us that dealing with foolish people is difficult and requires wisdom. Sometimes it is best to stay silent, but other times it is necessary to respond. A wise person must know when to speak and when not to, because both silence and words can be helpful, depending on the situation.v. 4: Sometimes, you should not answer a fool according to his folly . If a fool brags, do not brag back. If he speaks with anger or insults, do not answer him the same way. If he lies, do not lie in return. Do not copy his bad behavior, or you will become like him. You know better and have been taught to act with sense and kindness. v. 5: But in other situations, it is right to answer a fool. If staying silent would make people think you have no answer or that your cause is weak, then you should respond. Answer in a way that fits the situation. If the fool says something that sounds like an argument, respond to that. Do this so he does not become wise in his own conceit . In this way, you can help others see what is true, as wisdom is justified by all her children (Luke 7:35 f). The Conduct of FoolsThis section explains why wisdom is so important. It shows that foolish people are not fit for important tasks or for honor. When fools are given responsibility or asked to speak wise words, it often leads to confusion or harm. The section also discusses how God or those in authority may deal with fools and wrongdoers, and why it is important to pray for good leaders.v. 6: If you send a message by a fool—a careless or thoughtless person—it is almost as if you have cut off your own legs . The message will probably be misunderstood, forgotten, or delivered badly. Using a fool as a messenger usually causes trouble and embarrassment, because people might judge you by the person you choose to send. v. 7: Giving honor to a fool is pointless, just as honor is not fitting for a fool (Proverbs 26:1 g). It is like throwing a valuable stone into a pile of rocks or dressing up a stone in purple. In fact, honoring a fool can be dangerous, like putting a stone in a sling that could hurt someone. Giving power or honor to foolish people often brings harm to others. v. 8: When a fool tries to share wise sayings, it does not help anyone. A parable in the mouth of fools loses its meaning and power. This is like a lame person's legs that do not work well—they cannot walk properly. In the same way, a foolish person cannot use wise words properly. If someone lives a bad life but tries to speak about God or give advice, their words and actions do not match. Their good words are made useless by their bad life, and this is obvious to everyone. v. 9: Sometimes, a foolish person who speaks wise words can even cause harm. It is like a drunk person holding a thorn—he hurts himself and others because he does not know how to use it. People who talk well but do not live well make their own punishment worse, and their bad example can harm others too. Even sharp words that should touch the heart do not affect a fool, just as a drunk person does not feel a scratch from a thorn (Proverbs 23:35 h). God’s Justice and the Danger of Wicked Leadership This section explores two possible meanings of the proverb. It reminds us that God, who created everything, gives to each person according to their actions. It also warns about the harm caused when wicked people are in power and surround themselves with foolish or dishonest helpers. The passage calls us to pray for good rulers, because bad leaders bring trouble to everyone under them. v. 10: The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. One meaning is that God, who made everything and rules with wisdom, will give each person what they deserve. He will treat the fool—someone who sins because they do not know better—with less punishment, and the transgressor—someone who sins on purpose—with more punishment (Luke 12:47-48 i). God’s kindness is so great that even foolish and wicked people sometimes receive blessings, like sunshine and rain (Matthew 5:45 j). Another meaning is a warning about bad rulers: when a wicked leader gains power, he hires fools and wicked people to help him. This causes pain and trouble for everyone. That is why we should pray for good leaders and authorities, so that we can live peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2 k). The Folly of Returning to SinThis section warns us about the disgusting nature of sin and how easy it is for people to go back to their old wrong ways. Even when someone feels bad about their sin, without true change, they may return to it just as easily as before.v. 11: Sin is something truly horrible. Sometimes, when people feel guilty or suffer because of their sin, they seem to hate it and want to get rid of it, just like a dog vomits something that makes it sick. In that moment, they appear to reject their sin, because it is as disgusting as vomit (Psalm 36:2 l). But sadly, people often go back to their sin, just as a dog returns to its vomit. This shows that, without real change in the heart, people will repeat their mistakes. The apostle Peter uses this proverb to describe those who have known the way of righteousness but turn from it (2 Peter 2:22 m). God warns that such people will be rejected, as he says, I will spue you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16 n). The Danger of Self-ConceitThis section talks about the spiritual problem of being wise in your own eyes. It warns that thinking too highly of yourself can be worse than being foolish. People who are proud of their little knowledge or who think they are spiritually good often refuse to learn or change.v. 12: Some people are wise in their own conceit . They are proud and think they know more than others. Sometimes, they show off a little sense or pretend to be religious, like the church in Laodicea who said, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing (Revelation 3:17 o). But this attitude is very dangerous. It is often harder to help these people than to help someone who knows they are foolish. Solomon noticed that his proud students were the hardest to teach. The Bible says, If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise (1 Corinthians 3:18 p). Jesus also said that there is more hope for a tax collector than for a proud Pharisee (Matthew 21:32 q). Many people miss true wisdom and faith because they wrongly believe they already have both (John 9:40–41 r).The Disgrace of SlothfulnessThis next section shows how foolishness and laziness often go together. Idle people often try to excuse their laziness with silly reasons. Their laziness makes them even more foolish, and their foolishness keeps them lazy. The Excuses of the Slothful This section points out how lazy people often make excuses to avoid work. Instead of admitting their dislike for effort, they imagine and exaggerate dangers that are not real. Their foolishness leads them to avoid important duties by pretending there are impossible obstacles in the way. v. 13: The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. Lazy people do not want to get up and do their work. Whenever they are asked to do something, they claim there is great danger, such as a lion outside, even though this is just their imagination. Lions usually live in the wild, not in city streets, so this excuse is silly. The real problem is not danger, but that the slothful person hates hard work. This verse teaches that it is foolish to avoid real duties by making up imaginary problems (Ecclesiastes 11:4 s). The Sluggard’s Love of EaseThis section describes how lazy people waste their time and opportunities. They love comfort so much that they avoid work, even when it is time to be busy. Their laziness keeps them stuck in the same place, never making progress in life or faith.v. 14: The lazy person is compared to a door turning on its hinges. He stays in bed, rolling from one side to the other, but never actually gets up to do anything. Just as a door moves but never leaves its place, the sluggard moves a little but never gets anywhere. This love of comfort leads to neglecting important work and missing good chances. People who only want ease end up harming themselves. In spiritual things, lazy people may go through the motions, but their hearts do not change. They remain the same, never growing closer to God or becoming better people. The Sluggard’s Excuses and LossThis section shows how laziness continues even after a person finally gets out of bed. The lazy person always finds reasons to avoid work and, in the end, hurts himself most of all. He makes excuses to escape even simple tasks and misses out on the benefits of his own efforts.v. 15: The sluggard, after much effort, finally leaves his bed. But even then, he barely does anything useful. He makes excuses for his laziness, saying his hand is cold or sore, so he hides it in his bosom to keep it warm, or pretends it is injured. He may say, I cannot dig (Luke 16:3 t). Really, he just does not want to work. Because of this, he loses out; he is so lazy that it grieves him to bring his hand to his mouth . He cannot even bother to feed himself. This exaggeration shows how laziness can ruin a person, making them unwilling to do even the smallest things for their own good. In the same way, people who are lazy in spiritual things will not make the effort to read God’s word or pray, even though these bring great blessings. The Sluggard’s Pride and FollyThis section explains that lazy people are often very proud, even though their laziness is foolish. They think they are wiser than everyone else, and this stops them from learning or improving themselves. Their pride feeds their laziness, and their laziness increases their pride.v. 16: The sluggard thinks he is wiser than seven men who can render a reason . Wise people can explain why they do things and can give good reasons for their actions. For example, a person who works hard in faith can give a reason for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15 u). But no matter how many wise people try to persuade the sluggard to be diligent, he thinks he knows better. His self-conceit is the real cause of his laziness, because he believes he does not need to learn or change. If he would only examine himself and compare his life to the truth, he would see his mistakes. However, his laziness makes him even more convinced that doing nothing is actually smart. He is proud of his laziness, but this is really something to be ashamed of. There is little hope for someone so full of pride and excuses (Proverbs 26:12 v).Hatred and StrifeThis next section warns against getting involved in arguments and problems that do not concern you. It is much better to be a peacemaker than to start trouble in other people’s lives. The Danger of Meddling in Other People's Quarrels This section warns us about the risks of interfering in conflicts that do not concern us. Solomon uses a vivid illustration to show how foolish and harmful it is to involve ourselves unnecessarily in someone else’s disputes. Instead of helping, we may only make matters worse for ourselves and others. v. 17: He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. A person who interferes in arguments that do not involve them is compared to someone grabbing a dog by the ears. This is a reckless and dangerous act because the dog will likely snap or bite in response. Similarly, getting involved in another person’s quarrel often backfires. It can lead to anger and trouble, even though the meddler had no personal stake in the issue. The wise choice is to mind our own business and avoid unnecessary conflicts (1 Thessalonians 4:11 w). If we must act, it should only be to make peace, not to take sides or stir up more strife. The Danger of Deceitful JokingThis section warns against hurting others through lies and tricks, even when someone says they are "just joking." It compares this kind of behavior to someone who is out of control and dangerous, and it shows how serious the results can be, even if the person claims it was only for fun.v. 18: People who deceive their neighbors are compared to a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death (Proverbs 26:18 x). They may think they are clever, but really, their actions are wild and reckless. Their lies and tricks can cause great harm, just like fire or arrows can hurt or destroy from far away. When these people are caught or corrected, they often make a weak excuse by saying, Am not I in sport?—meaning, “I was only joking.” But joking with lies or insults is dangerous, like playing with fire. The Bible warns us not to excuse hurting others with playful words. If someone lies to make people laugh, soon they may lie for selfish gain, and this leads to more serious sin. As it is written, they teach their tongues to tell lies (Jeremiah 9:5 y). Lies come from the devil and lead to destruction, so we must not take them lightly, even in jokes. – The Causes and Cure of StrifeThis section teaches that arguments and fights are like a fire. They can destroy peace and relationships. The passage explains how strife often starts and how it can be stopped. If we want to keep peace, we need to avoid things and people that make conflicts worse.v. 20: Arguments continue as long as people keep talking about them. When there is no more gossip or talebearing, fights will stop—just like a fire goes out when there is no more wood to burn. People who spread rumors or reveal secrets are adding fuel to the fire of disagreement. If these people are removed from a group or family, the arguments will soon end. Old problems are forgotten when no one keeps bringing them up. The Bible says, The words of a talebearer are as wounds (Proverbs 26:22; Proverbs 18:8 z). These words can hurt someone's reputation and destroy friendship and love. So, we should not gossip or listen to people who do. Peace is easier to keep when nobody is spreading harmful stories. v. 21: We are warned not to spend time with people who are quick to get angry or always pick fights. Contentious men kindle strife (Proverbs 26:21 aa). Such people are always ready to argue over small things and make situations worse. If we avoid people who like to quarrel, it is easier to avoid trouble and keep peace with others. – Hidden Malice Behind Smooth WordsThis section shows that people can hide evil intentions behind their words. Sometimes, their words are full of anger and hate. Other times, their words sound friendly, but their hearts are still wicked. In both cases, their true character is hidden but not changed.v. 23: A person with a wicked heart may use burning lips—words that are full of anger or passion. These sharp words come from malice and can hurt others. This person is like a broken piece of pottery covered with the dross of silver; both the pot and the dross are worthless and ready for the trash. Sometimes, a wicked person hides his evil heart by pretending to be kind and friendly, using words that sound warm and loving. But this is just a disguise, like a cheap potsherd covered with a thin layer of silver dross. It may look valuable to someone who does not know better, but a wise person will see through the false appearance. This idea continues in the next verses. Hidden Hatred Behind Friendly WordsThis section teaches us to be careful when someone acts like a friend but hides evil plans. Sometimes people pretend to care about us, but their hearts are full of bad intentions. The Bible warns us not to trust such fake friendship and not to act this way ourselves.v. 24: Some people hate their neighbor but hide it with kind words. They speak nicely and act like they want to help, but inside they are planning harm. This is like how Cain spoke to Abel or how Joab greeted Amasa before hurting him (Genesis 4:8; 2 Samuel 20:9-10 ab). These people keep their evil plans secret until they find a good chance to do wrong. Their words are sweet, but their hearts are full of deceit and malice, just like the devil who tempted Eve with kind words (Genesis 3:1-5 ac). We should be careful not to believe everything a person says just because they speak nicely, because there may be seven abominations in his heart (Proverbs 26:25 ad). Also, we must not act this way ourselves. Even if someone can hide their hatred for a while, it will eventually be discovered and bring shame in front of everyone (Proverbs 26:26 ae). True love is honest; pretending to be kind while hiding evil will only lead to disgrace. – – The Danger of Plotting EvilThis section warns that people who work hard to harm others will often end up being hurt by their own plans. Evil actions require effort, but in the end, those who plot against others will face trouble themselves. God sees all things and makes sure that justice is done.v. 27: Some people go to great lengths to do harm, using tricks and pretending to be friendly while secretly making evil plans. This is like digging a pit or rolling a stone—it takes a lot of work. But those who dig a pit for others will often fall into the pit they have dug, and the stone they roll will roll back on them (Psalm 7:15-16; Psalm 9:15-16 af). God is righteous and makes sure that those who plan harm will suffer from their own evil. This is a just law: those who try to destroy others will be destroyed by their own tricks. This happened to Haman, who was hanged on the gallows he built for someone else (Esther 7:10 ag). The Harm of Lies and FlatteryThis section explains that both slander and flattery are dangerous and wrong. Slander openly hurts people, while flattery secretly leads them to harm. Both types of lies come from a place of hate or selfishness, and both can destroy relationships and trust.v. 28: There are two kinds of lies that are equally bad. The first is a slandering lie. A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it (Proverbs 26:28 ah). This kind of lie hurts people by spreading false stories and insults. The person who tells these lies shows hate for the one they attack. The harm is clear, and people try to protect themselves from it. The second kind is a flattering lie. This type of lie is more hidden. It works to ruin people by making them believe false praise and compliments. People often do not see the danger and may trust the flatterer, which leads to their own downfall. A wise person knows that flattery can be more dangerous than open slander, because it is harder to notice and resist.
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