Proverbs Chapter 26

1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.

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

6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7 Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8 Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

9 Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10 Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.

11 Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!"

14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.

15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!"

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

23 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart.

24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart;

25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;

26 though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.

28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.


Quotes from Christian Theologians:

Matthew Henry (1662-1714): 

• A Nonconformist minister known for his practical, devotional approach to scripture. 
• In his "Commentary on the Whole Bible" (1706-1710), he states, "This chapter is a collection of proverbs, many of which seem to be designed to warn us against the folly of fools, and to direct us how we may avoid being involved in their ruin."

• An Anglican minister whose commentary on Proverbs (1846) focuses on moral and spiritual life. 
• He writes, "The folly of fools is here exposed, not merely to show us the vanity of such behavior but to admonish us to a wise and godly walk that distinguishes us from them."

• A scholar known for his work in Old Testament wisdom literature. 
• In "The Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary" (1964), he explains, "Proverbs 26 illustrates the folly of fools in various scenarios, urging the wise to discern and respond appropriately to such folly."

Historical Setting and Author Background:

Proverbs Chapter 26 is part of the larger collection attributed to Solomon, though it's likely this chapter, like others, was compiled or edited during the time of King Hezekiah's men, as noted in Proverbs 25:1. Solomon, known for his wisdom (1 Kings 3:12), aimed to impart practical wisdom for daily living, focusing on the contrast between wisdom and folly. The purpose here seems to be to provide practical guidance on how to deal with fools and their folly, encouraging discernment and caution in social interactions.

Hebrew Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms:

• כְּשֶׁלֶג בַּקַּיִץ (k'sheleg ba-qayits) - "Like snow in summer" - sheleg (snow) symbolizes rarity and inappropriateness.
• כְּמוֹ־צִפּוֹר (k'mo-tzipor) - "Like a sparrow" - tzipor (bird) represents something fleeting or unreliable.
• נָבָל (naval) - "Fool" - implies moral and intellectual folly, not just simple-mindedness.
• מַשָּׂא (massa) - "Proverb" - indicates a saying that teaches wisdom, often through metaphor.

These terms highlight the absurdity or danger of placing value in the wrong places, like giving honor to a fool or relying on their words or actions, which resonates with the daily interactions where discernment is key.

Greek Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms:

• χειμών (cheimōn) - "Winter" - used metaphorically in the Septuagint for severe conditions or times, akin to folly's harsh consequences.
• ἀνόητος (anoētos) - "Foolish" - often used in Greek to describe lack of understanding or wisdom.

The Greek translations emphasize the foolishness and its consequences, providing a lens through which to view personal and communal behavior, urging one to live wisely.

Major and Minor Themes:

• Major: Folly vs. Wisdom, the consequences of foolishness.
• Minor: Deception, the sluggard, the dangers of meddling.

These themes are crucial for a man leading his family and community, as they teach discernment in character judgment, the importance of diligence, and the wisdom of avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Modern-Day Example of Applying this Verse and Takeaways for Modern Times:

In today's context, a man might encounter fools in various aspects of life - at work, in friendships, or even within family dynamics. Proverbs 26 teaches that one should not dignify folly with honor or engage with fools on their level, as it can lead to personal and communal harm. For instance, in leadership roles, whether at work or home, one should not promote or trust those who show consistent folly or deceit. Instead, wisdom involves recognizing when to engage or disengage from such individuals, fostering environments of truth and diligence. This aligns with Christ's teaching on being wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16), guiding a man to be both cautious and wise in his interactions.

Connections to Other Biblical Passages:

Old Testament Connections:

• Psalm 14:1 - "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" - This connection underscores the spiritual dimension of folly.
• Ecclesiastes 10:3 - "Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool." - Reinforces the visible nature of folly.

New Testament Connections:

• Matthew 7:6 - "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs." - Echoes the theme of not wasting wisdom on those who will not appreciate or understand it.
• 2 Timothy 2:23 - "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels." - Urges avoidance of folly to maintain peace.

These connections remind us that the Bible consistently values wisdom and warns against folly across its narrative, applicable in guiding one's life, relationships, and leadership.

Summary:

Proverbs Chapter 26 offers a rich tapestry of wisdom centered on dealing with folly. It teaches the importance of discernment in recognizing and responding to foolish behavior, both in ourselves and others. This chapter is a manual for living wisely among the unwise, promoting integrity, diligence, and truth in every sphere of life.

Questions for Deeper Thought:

How can you identify a 'fool' in today's context, and what should your response be in light of Proverbs 26? 

• This involves introspection on one's judgment and interaction with others, focusing on wisdom in leadership and relationships.

In what ways does this chapter challenge you to reassess your actions or attitudes that might inadvertently promote or engage with folly? 

• It encourages self-examination to ensure one's life reflects wisdom, not folly, influencing one's family, workplace, and community positively.

A Short Prayer:

Lord,