Proverbs 26
Proverbs 26 mainly consists of illustrations and lessons about foolish people, lazy people, and those who stir up strife. Overall, verses 1–12 address warnings about foolishness and attitudes of wisdom, verses 13–16 highlight laziness and its consequences, and verses 17–28 emphasize strife, harmful speech, and the danger of falsehood . Through everyday examples and familiar illustrations, the author of Proverbs shows the various kinds of people we may encounter in real life and encourages us to relate wisely and to be careful with our words and actions.
1verseLike snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
2verseLike a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow, so the undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest.
3verseA whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!
4verseDon’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
5verseAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6verseOne who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
7verseLike the legs of the lame that hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8verseAs one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
9verseLike a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10verseAs an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool or he who hires those who pass by.
11verseAs a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.
12verseDo you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13verseThe sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!”
14verseAs the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed.
15verseThe sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16verseThe sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer with discretion.
17verseLike one who grabs a dog’s ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18verseLike a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death,
19verseis the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”
20verseFor lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
21verseAs coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
22verseThe words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts.
23verseLike silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
24verseA malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors evil in his heart.
25verseWhen his speech is charming, don’t believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26verseHis malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27verseWhoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
28verseA lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.
A Contrast Between Folly and Wisdom
In verses 1–12, it explains by means of several illustrations that it is not appropriate to honor a fool. A fool cannot receive instruction correctly, and instead readily misuses it or mocks it, and also makes it easy to harm others. Here, living wisely is shown not merely as having knowledge, but as requiring carefulness and discernment in one’s speech and actions.
The Results of Laziness and Irresponsibility
In verses 13–16, it describes the excuses and habits of the lazy person in a satirical way. The lazy person holds great fear even for small matters, justifies their own sloth, and in the end gains nothing. This once again reminds us of the importance of life attitude and responsibility.
A Warning About Speech, Strife, and Falsehood
In verses 17–28, it warns against the danger of getting involved in other people’s disputes, empty words and slander, and the harm of false testimony. While warning about the power of speech and its harm, it emphasizes that wisdom is to form relationships carefully and truthfully.
Meditation Points
- Let’s check whether my words and actions were wise today, and whether I was perhaps foolish or irresponsible.
- Let’s reflect on whether in my relationships I’m causing strife, telling lies, or using words that slander others.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Amid the various situations and people we encounter in daily life, let’s think about how we can respond more carefully and wisely.
- Let’s recognize laziness or irresponsibility that we easily fall into, and cultivate an attitude that enables us to do our assigned work to the best of our ability.
