Proverbs 26:10 - Meaning and Application

Our translation gives this verse a different reading in the main text and in the margin. Because of that, the verse can be understood in two ways.

One view shows the fairness of a good God. The word “Master,” or “Lord,” means ruler here. Or, as we read it, the great God who made all things at the beginning and still rules them with perfect wisdom gives each person what his work deserves. He gives the fool, who sinned in ignorance and did not know his master’s will, fewer stripes. He gives the transgressor, who sinned on purpose and with a high hand, who knew his master’s will and refused to do it, many stripes. Some also take this to mean God’s kindness in his common providence, his care for all people, even fools and transgressors, on whom he causes his sun to shine and his rain to fall.

Another view is about the wrongdoing of a bad prince, which is how the margin reads it. “A great man grieves all,” and he hires the fool. He hires transgressors too. When a wicked man gets power, he hurts everyone under him, both by his own actions and by the fools and dishonest men he puts to work for him, the people he hires and chooses to use. He becomes a burden and a trouble to those he rules. For that reason, we should pray for kings and all who hold authority, so that under them our lives may be quiet and peaceful.