Proverbs 26:1
Proverbs 26:1 in Multiple Translations
Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not befit a fool.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not seemly for a fool.
Like snow in summer and rain when the grain is being cut, so honour is not natural for the foolish.
Honoring someone stupid is as inappropriate as snow in the summer or rain during harvest.
As the snowe in the sommer, and as the raine in the haruest are not meete, so is honour vnseemely for a foole.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honour [is] not comely for a fool.
Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest; so honor is not seemly for a fool.
As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool.
Just like [SIM] it is not appropriate for snow to fall in summer time, or rain to fall at harvest time, it is not appropriate to praise/honor foolish people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 26:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/שֶּׁ֤לֶג
בַּ/קַּ֗יִץ
וְ/כַ/מָּטָ֥ר
בַּ/קָּצִ֑יר
כֵּ֤ן
לֹא
נָאוֶ֖ה
לִ/כְסִ֣יל
כָּבֽוֹד
כַּ/שֶּׁ֤לֶג
sheleg
H7950
snow
Prep | N-ms
בַּ/קַּ֗יִץ
qayits
H7019
summer
Prep | N-ms
וְ/כַ/מָּטָ֥ר
mâṭar
H4306
rain
Conj | Prep | N-ms
בַּ/קָּצִ֑יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
Prep | N-ms
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נָאוֶ֖ה
nâʼveh
H5000
lovely
Adj
לִ/כְסִ֣יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Prep | Adj
כָּבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:1
כַּ/שֶּׁ֤לֶג
sheleg
H7950
"snow"
Prep | N-ms
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.
בַּ/קַּ֗יִץ
qayits
H7019
"summer"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for summer refers to the harvest season or the fruit of that season, and is also used to describe the dry summer months, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) summer, summer-fruit 1a) summer 1b) summer-fruit Aramaic equivalent: qa.yit (קַ֫יִט "summer" H7007)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: summer (fruit, house). See also: Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 32:4.
וְ/כַ/מָּטָ֥ר
mâṭar
H4306
"rain"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This noun simply means rain, describing the water that falls from the sky. It is a common weather phenomenon in the Bible, often used to symbolize God's blessing or judgment. Rain is essential for life and growth in the biblical world.
Definition: rain
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: rain. See also: Exodus 9:33; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Psalms 72:6.
בַּ/קָּצִ֑יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָאוֶ֖ה
nâʼveh
H5000
"lovely"
Adj
This word means something or someone is lovely or beautiful, like a pleasant scene in Genesis. It describes what is suitable or pleasing to the eye. In the Bible, it is used to describe beautiful places or people.
Definition: 1) comely, beautiful, seemly 1a) comely, beautiful 1b) seemly
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: becometh, comely, seemly. See also: Psalms 33:1; Song of Solomon 1:5; Psalms 147:1.
לִ/כְסִ֣יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
כָּבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:1
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
1Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not befit a fool.
2Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:10 | Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:16 | A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. |
| 3 | Esther 4:6 | So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king’s gate, |
| 4 | Psalms 15:4 | who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 12:17–18 | Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. |
| 6 | Psalms 12:8 | The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men. |
| 7 | Esther 3:1–15 | After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him. All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded that this be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. Then the royal servants at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the command of the king?” Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. “Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.” On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. |
| 8 | Proverbs 17:7 | Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler! |
| 9 | Judges 9:7 | When this was reported to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and cried out: “Listen to me, O leaders of Shechem, and may God listen to you. |
| 10 | Judges 9:56–57 | In this way God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father in murdering his seventy brothers. And God also brought all the wickedness of the men of Shechem back upon their own heads. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them. |
Proverbs 26:1 Summary
[This verse means that it's not right to give honor or respect to someone who acts foolishly, because it's like giving them something they don't deserve, like snow in summer or rain at harvest, which are out of place and unhelpful, as seen in Proverbs 26:1 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Instead, we should seek to give honor and respect to those who demonstrate wisdom, integrity, and righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18. By doing so, we can encourage and support one another in living wise and righteous lives, as instructed in Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for honor to not befit a fool?
According to Proverbs 26:1, honor does not befit a fool because it is as out of place as snow in summer or rain at harvest, which are unnatural and unhelpful occurrences, much like the way foolish behavior does not deserve respect or admiration, as seen in Proverbs 24:23-25.
Is it ever right to give honor to someone who acts foolishly?
While we are called to show respect and kindness to all people, as seen in Matthew 7:12, giving honor to someone who acts foolishly can be harmful and misleading, as it may encourage them to continue in their foolish ways, rather than encouraging them to seek wisdom and righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 9:8-12 and Ephesians 4:29-32.
How can we distinguish between true honor and false flattery?
True honor is given to those who demonstrate wisdom, integrity, and righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31, whereas false flattery is given to those who seek to elevate themselves through deceit or manipulation, as seen in Psalm 5:9 and Jude 1:16, and we must be careful to discern the difference, as instructed in Proverbs 27:6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.
What is the relationship between foolishness and the lack of honor?
According to Proverbs 26:1, foolishness and the lack of honor are closely related, as foolish behavior is often characterized by a lack of wisdom, discernment, and self-control, which in turn makes it unworthy of respect or admiration, as seen in Proverbs 10:1 and 15:5, and as noted in Proverbs 26:3, fools may require correction and discipline to learn and grow.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be acting foolishly, and how can I seek wisdom and correction in those areas?
- How can I show respect and kindness to those who act foolishly, without giving them false honor or encouragement?
- What are some examples of true honor and false flattery in my own life or in the lives of those around me, and how can I learn to distinguish between the two?
- How can I cultivate wisdom, integrity, and righteousness in my own life, so that I may be worthy of true honor and respect, as seen in Proverbs 4:7-9 and 1 Timothy 4:7-8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:1
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,.... Which were very undesirable and unseasonable, yea, very hurtful to the fruits of the earth; and a great obstruction to the labourers in the harvest, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:1
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest (are unseasonable and injurious to crops); so honour ... for a fool.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
CHAPTER 26 Rules how to carry it towards fools, . The slothful man described, . The character of a contentious man, and of a busybody, and tale-bearer, . The evil of hypocrisy and lying, . As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest; unbecoming and unseasonable. So honour is not seemly for a fool, because he neither deserves it, nor knows how to use it, but his folly is both increased and publicly manifested by it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
Proverbs 26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.Ver. 1. So honour is not seemly for a fool.] Honour is the reward of virtue; dignity should wait upon desert. Sed dignitas in indigno est ornamentum in luto, as Salvian. Honour is as fit for a fool as a gold ring for a swine’ s snout. Sedes prima et vita ima, will never suit. The order of nature is inverted when the vilest men are exalted; it is a foul incongruity, and of very evil consequence. For thereby themselves will be hardened, and others heartened to the like prosperous folly, felix enim scelus virtus vocatur, saith Cicero. The study of virtue also will be neglected when fools are preferred, and God’ s heavy wrath poured out in full measure upon these uncircumcised vice-gods - as I may in the worst sense best term them - who misrepresent him to the world by their ungodly practices, as a wicked, crooked, unrighteous Judge. Cicer., De Divinat., lib. ii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
XXVI. (1) As rain in harvest.—This was very unusual in Palestine (comp. 1 Samuel 12:17, sqq.), and of course very unsuitable for carrying on the work of harvest. So honour is not seemly for a fool.—i.e., for a dull person, confident in his own wisdom (Proverbs 1:22). It only confirms him in his good opinion of himself, making him less inclined than ever to learn.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
CHAPTER XXVI Honour is not seemly in a fool. The correction and treatment suitable to such. Of the slothful man. Of him who interferes with matters which do not concern him. Contentions to be avoided. Of the dissembler and the lying tongue. NOTES ON CHAP. XXVI Verse 1. As snow in summer] None of these is suitable to the time; and at this unsuitable time, both are unwelcome: so a fool to be in honour is unbecoming.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:1
1. rain in harvest] “For six months in the year no rain falls [in Palestine], and the harvests are gathered in without any of the anxiety with which we are so familiar lest the work be interrupted by unseasonable storms. In this respect at least the climate has remained unchanged since the time when Boaz slept by his heap of corn; and the sending thunder and rain in wheat harvest was a miracle which filled the people with fear and wonder (1 Samuel 12:16-18); and Solomon could speak of ‘rain in harvest’ as the most forcible expression for conveying the idea of something utterly out of place and unnatural (Proverbs 26:1).”—Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. Rain.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:1
In Palestine there is commonly hardly any rain from the early showers of spring to October.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:1
1. As snow in summer… as rain… harvest — Both of which are, in Palestine, rare at the seasons named, and their occurrence then deemed calamitous, as being damaging to the crops.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationships With Fools Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of not binding the stone in a sling, as it will prevent it from reaching its target. He compares this foolish act to giv |
|
(Proverbs) ch.26:11 - 27:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various excuses that people make for not fulfilling their duties. He uses the example of a lazy man who uses the excuse of a lion in the |
|
Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate - Love of Money - Learned Behavioural Patterns by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of greed, covetousness, and the love of money, urging Christians to cultivate humility and meekness to combat these deadly sins. He highlights |
|
Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte |
|
|
Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It em |
|
|
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 67 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into Matthew 23, focusing on Jesus' teachings about the Pharisees. It emphasizes the importance of aligning inner beliefs with outward actions, warning against h |
|
|
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 8. by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of preparation for marriage, likening it to the meticulous planning required for a space mission. He advocates for a period of engagement that |