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Proverbs
Chapter 26
Verse 26

Proverbs 26:19

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

American Standard Version (1901)

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?

Bible in Basic English

So is the man who gets the better of his neighbour by deceit, and says, Am I not doing so in sport?

Douay-Rheims 1899

So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest.

Free Bible Version

if you lie to your friend and then say, “I was only joking!”

Geneva Bible 1599

So dealeth the deceitfull man with his friend and sayth, Am not I in sport?

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”

Translation for Translators

are as foolish as those who deceive someone else and then say, “I was only joking.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

is the one who deceives his neighbor and says, “Was I not telling a joke?”

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”

Young's Literal Translation

So hath a man deceived his neighbour, And hath said, 'Am not I playing?'

Context

Similitudes and Instructions

¹⁸Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, ¹⁹so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

Summary

This verse uses humor to illustrate the consequences of deceit and dishonesty. Just as a reckless person plays with fire and then acts as if nothing happened, a liar deceives others and then denies any wrongdoing. The verse warns against the folly of lying and emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in all interactions. It serves as a reminder that the truth will always be revealed, and those who engage in deceit will ultimately face the repercussions of their actions. Overall, Proverbs 26:19 highlights the destructive nature of falsehood and the value of living a truthful and upright life.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour,.... By telling him a lie; or by reporting false things concerning him; or by cheating him in trade and commerce; or by taking his goods privately from him; and, when caught in either of these, and saith, Am not I in sport? do not be angry, I designed no hurt; it is all in jest, a mere joke: but, had he not been apprehended, it would have been in earnest, as he was. This is only an excuse, and as absurd an one as if a man should set fire to his neighbour's house and barns, or throw arrows at him, or strike him with any instrument of death, as the sword, &c. and then say he was only in jest, or pretend madness.

Proverbs 26:19

Similitudes and Instructions

¹⁸Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, ¹⁹so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

American Standard Version (1901)

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?

Bible in Basic English

So is the man who gets the better of his neighbour by deceit, and says, Am I not doing so in sport?

Douay-Rheims 1899

So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest.

Free Bible Version

if you lie to your friend and then say, “I was only joking!”

Geneva Bible 1599

So dealeth the deceitfull man with his friend and sayth, Am not I in sport?

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”

Translation for Translators

are as foolish as those who deceive someone else and then say, “I was only joking.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

is the one who deceives his neighbor and says, “Was I not telling a joke?”

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”

Young's Literal Translation

So hath a man deceived his neighbour, And hath said, 'Am not I playing?'