Commentary on Proverbs 26

(Pro. 26:1-28)

The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied (Pro 17:7; Pro 19:10).

Though not obvious to us,

the bird--literally, "sparrow"--and

swallow--have an object in their motions, so penal evil falls on none without a reason.

The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.

Answer not--that is, approvingly by like folly.

Answer--by reproof.

A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed.

drinketh damage--that is, gets it abundantly (Job 15:16; Job 34:7).

legs . . . equal--or, "take away the legs," or "the legs . . . are weak." In any case the idea is that they are the occasion of an awkwardness, such as the fool shows in using a parable or proverb (see Introduction; Pro 17:7).

A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.

As vexatious and unmanageable as a thorn in a drunkard's hand is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt to misuse is as to use it rightly.

Various versions of this are proposed (compare Margin). Better perhaps--"Much He injures (or literally, "wounds") all who reward," &c., that is, society is injured by encouraging evil men.

transgressors--may be rendered "vagrants." The word "God" is improperly supplied.

returneth . . . folly--Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.

The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.

(Compare Pro 22:13).

(Compare Pro 6:10; Pro 24:33).

(Compare Pro 19:24).

The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.

meddleth--as in Pro 20:19; Pro 24:21; as either holding a dog by the ears or letting him go involves danger, so success in another man's strife or failure involves a useless risk of reputation, does no good, and may do us harm.

Such are reckless of results.

The talebearers foster (Pro 16:28), and the contentious excite, strife.

(Compare Pro 18:8).

Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.

dissembleth--though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.

Sentiment of Pro 26:24 carried out.

seven abominations in his heart--that is, very many (compare Pro 24:16).

Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare Pro 12:13; Psa 7:16; Psa 9:17, &c.).

Men hate those they injure.

A lying tongue--"lips" for the persons (compare Pro 4:24; Psa 12:3).

Next: Proverbs Chapter 27