Self-interpreting Bible
Proverbs 26
Various maxims and observations of Solomon, collected by the men of Hezekiah, about kings, and other subjects of both private and public concern.
1 AS asnow in summer, and as rain in harvest, bso honour is not seemly for a fool.
2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, cso the curse causeless shall not come.
3 A dwhip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and ea rod for the fool's back.
4 fAnswer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
- f: Mat. 7:6 , Lu. 23:8 , Is. 36:21 , Pr. 9:7 , Pr. 9:8 , 2Sa. 16:11 , 2Ki. 18:36
5 gAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in 1his own *conceit.
- g: Mat. 21:24 , Mat. 16:1 - 4 , Tit. 1:13
- 1: Heb. his own eyes.
- *: conceit-opinion, conception.
6 He hthat sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh 2damage.
7 The legs of the lame 3are not equal: iso is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8 4As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, jso is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9 As ka thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
- k: Pr. 26:7
10 5The great God that formed all things lboth rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11 As ma dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool 6returneth to his folly.
12 nSeest thou a man wise in his own *conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13 The oslothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14 As pthe door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15 The qslothful hideth his hand in his bosom; 7it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16 The r*sluggard is wiser in his own *conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17 He sthat passeth by, and 8meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 As a mad man who casteth 9firebrands, arrows, and death,
- 9: Heb. flames or sparks.
19 tSo is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 10Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so uwhere there is no 11talebearer, the strife 12ceaseth.
21 As vcoals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The wwords of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the 13innermost parts of the belly.
23 xBurning lips and a wicked heart are like a *potsherd covered with silver dross.
- x: Pr. 10:18 , Pr. 26:24 - 26 , 2Sa. 15:3 , 2Sa. 15:4 , Mat. 2:8
- *: potsherd-piece of broken pottery.
24 He that hateth 14dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25 yWhen he 15speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
- y: Je. 9:2 - 8 , Mi. 7:5 , Mat. 10:16 , Mat. 10:17 , Ps. 12:2 , Ps. 28:3
- 15: Heb. maketh his voice gracious.
26 Whose 16hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
- 16: Or, hatred is covered in secret. 2Sa. 13.22,26. Ps. 55.21,23. , 2Sa. 13:22 , 2Sa. 13:26 , Ps. 55:21 , Ps. 55:23
27 zWhoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.