Proverbs 26
26:1 a It is not fitting to give honor to fools.26:2 b Curses and blessings can have real effect (see Gen 27:1-41 c; 48:8-9 d, 15-20 e; Num 6:23-27 f), but an undeserved curse has no effect.
26:3 g A fool is like a dumb animal that can only be guided by brute force (see 10:13 h; 14:3 i).
Summary for Prov 26:4-5: 26:4-5 j Proverbs are often context sensitive. Whether or not to answer the foolish arguments of fools depends on what kind of fool and what kind of situation.
26:7 k A fool might know a proverb but not be able to use it correctly. Cp. 26:9 l.
26:9 m A proverb misapplied by a fool might actually cause harm. Cp. 26:7 n.
26:10 o A fool or a bystander might easily be lazy (see 10:4-6 p) or incompetent (see 26:6-7 q). An employer should beware!
26:11 r Even when foolishness brings terrible consequences, a fool persists in it (17:10 s; see also 2 Pet 2:22 t).
26:12 u Fools have hope because they might recognize their folly and seek advice. However, those who think they are wise will remain ignorant.
Summary for Prov 26:13-16: 26:13-16 v The lazy person: See 6:6-11 w; 10:4-5 x; 15:19 y; 22:13 z.
26:15 aa This proverb repeats 19:24 ab.
26:17 ac The wise avoid getting involved in other people’s arguments (cp. 26:21 ad).
Summary for Prov 26:18-19: 26:18-19 ae Lies are extremely dangerous because they lead people to act on false information. Liars cannot cover up later by claiming that they were only joking (see 6:16-19 af; 14:5 ag, 25 ah; 25:18 ai).
Summary for Prov 26:20-21: 26:20-21 aj A gossip and a quarrelsome person are both like fuel to the fire of trouble and discord.
26:22 ak This proverb repeats 18:8 al.
Summary for Prov 26:23-26: 26:23-26 am People sometimes hide evil attitudes and wicked intentions through flattery. In the end, the true hatred of smooth talkers will be exposed.
26:27 an People usually receive the bad consequences they intend for others (see 1:17-19 ao).
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