Proverbs 26 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. "

" As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. "

" A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. "

" Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like "

" Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. "

" He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. "

" The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. "

" As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. "

" As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. "

" The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. "

" As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. "

" Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool "

Proverbs 26:12 warns that a person who thinks they’re always right is in deeper trouble than someone who simply lacks knowledge. Pride blocks learning and …

" The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. "

" As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. "

" The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. "

" The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. "

" He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. "

" As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, "

Proverbs 26:18 warns that a person who hurts others with words or actions and then says, “I was only joking,” is like a crazy person …

" So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? "

" Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. "

" As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. "

" The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. "

" Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. "

Proverbs 26:23 means some people speak warmly and kindly but hide bad intentions. Like cheap pottery covered with fake silver, their words look good but …

" He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within "

" When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. "

Proverbs 26:25 warns that some people sound kind and trustworthy, but secretly plan harm. It says don’t be fooled by smooth talk—look at consistent actions …

" Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. "

" Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return "

" A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. "