Proverbs 26:8
Proverbs 26:8 in Multiple Translations
Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool.
Giving honour to a foolish man is like attempting to keep a stone fixed in a cord.
Honoring someone stupid is as pointless as tying a stone into a sling.
As the closing vp of a precious stone in an heape of stones, so is he that giueth glory to a foole.
As one who is binding a stone in a sling, So [is] he who is giving honour to a fool.
As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honor to a fool.
As he that casteth a stone into the heap of Mercury: so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
Tying a stone in a sling so that it cannot be thrown at a target is as foolish as [SIM] honoring a foolish person.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:8
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 26:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ/צְר֣וֹר
אֶ֭בֶן
בְּ/מַרְגֵּמָ֑ה
כֵּן
נוֹתֵ֖ן
לִ/כְסִ֣יל
כָּבֽוֹד
כִּ/צְר֣וֹר
tsârar
H6887
to confine
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶ֭בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
בְּ/מַרְגֵּמָ֑ה
margêmâh
H4773
sling
Prep | N-fs
כֵּן
kên
H3651
right
Part
נוֹתֵ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
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.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:8
כִּ/צְר֣וֹר
tsârar
H6887
"to confine"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.
אֶ֭בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
בְּ/מַרְגֵּמָ֑ה
margêmâh
H4773
"sling"
Prep | N-fs
This word means a sling, like the one David used to defeat Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also refer to a heap of stones, often used for building or defense. The word appears in several Old Testament stories.
Definition: 1) sling 2) (CLBL) a heap of stones
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sling. See also: Proverbs 26:8.
כֵּן
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.
נוֹתֵ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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 26:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:8
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
6Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
7Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
9Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 10Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:1 | Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not befit a fool. |
| 2 | Proverbs 30:22 | a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food, |
| 3 | Proverbs 19:10 | Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! |
Proverbs 26:8 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 26:8, teaches us that giving honor or respect to someone who is foolish is like trying to use a stone in a sling - it's pointless and can even cause harm. When we give honor to a fool, we may be enabling their foolish behavior and potentially suffering negative consequences, as seen in other Bible verses like Proverbs 19:1 and Psalm 1:1-6. Instead, we should seek to honor and learn from those who are wise and godly, as encouraged in Psalm 119:63 and Proverbs 22:24-25. By being wise and discerning in our relationships and interactions, we can avoid the pitfalls of giving honor to fools and instead walk in the wisdom and blessing of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give honor to a fool?
Giving honor to a fool means to show respect or admiration to someone who lacks wisdom or good judgment, which is pointless and potentially harmful, as seen in Proverbs 26:8, and can lead to more foolish behavior, as warned in Proverbs 19:1.
Why is giving honor to a fool like binding a stone into a sling?
This comparison suggests that giving honor to a fool is not only useless but also potentially destructive, much like a stone in a sling can cause harm when thrown, as the foolish person may misuse the honor or attention they receive, as illustrated in Proverbs 25:14.
How can we avoid giving honor to fools?
We can avoid giving honor to fools by being discerning and wise in our relationships and interactions, as advised in Proverbs 22:24-25, and by seeking to honor and associate with those who are wise and godly, as encouraged in Psalm 119:63.
What are the consequences of giving honor to a fool?
The consequences of giving honor to a fool can include enabling their foolish behavior, being influenced by their unwise counsel, and potentially suffering harm or damage as a result, as warned in Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I given honor or attention to someone who may not be wise or deserving of it, and what were the consequences?
- How can I be more discerning in my relationships and interactions to avoid giving honor to fools?
- What are some ways I can show respect and admiration to those who are wise and godly, and how can I learn from their example?
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek wisdom and guidance from God's Word and from wise counselors, rather than relying on my own understanding or the advice of fools?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:8
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling,.... That so fastens it to it that it cannot be slung out of it, it becomes useless and does not answer the end for which it is put there; or that places it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:8
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. As he that bindeth (hurleth, Maurer) a stone in a sling, so (is) he that giveth honour to a fool. The honour is thrown away that is given to a fool.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling; whereby he hinders his own design of throwing the stone out of it; or, who fastens it there only for a season, that he may speedily and violently throw it away. Or, as it is rendered in our margin, and by many others, As he that putteth a precious stone (Heb. a stone, which is oft emphatically used for a precious stone, both in Scripture, as , and elsewhere, and also in other authors) in an heap of stones, where it is obscured and lost. So is he that giveth honour to a fool; no less absurd is he that giveth to a fool that honour and praise which he is not capable either of receiving, or retaining, or using aright, but it is quite wasted upon him, and doth him more hurt than good.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
Proverbs 26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth honour to a fool.Ver. 8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling.] A precious stone is not fit for a sling - where it will soon be cast away and lost; no more is honour for a fool. See Proverbs 26:1. Ebenezra saith that Margemah, here rendered a sling, signifies purple, and senseth it thus: As it is an absurd thing to wrap a pebble in purple, so is it to prefer a fool, as Saul did Doeg, as Ahasuerus Haman.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
(8) As he that bindeth a stone in a sling . . .—i.e., the stone is soon gone from the sling and seen no more, so honour and a fool soon part company. This seems on the whole the most probable rendering of this verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
Verse 8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.] It is entirely thrown away. This, however, is a difficult proverb; and the versions give but little light on the subject. The Hebrew may be translated, "As a piece of precious stone among a heap of stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool." See the margin, and Parkhurst: but on this interpretation the meaning would rather be, "It is as useless to throw a jewel among a heap of stones to increase its bulk, as to give honour to a fool." As he that sendith a stoon into a hepe of monee; so he that geveth to an unwiisman wirschip. - Old MS. Bible. "He that setteth a foole in hye dignite, that is even as yf a man dyd caste a precious stone upon the galous." - Coverdale. This translator refers to the custom of throwing a stone to the heap under which a criminal lay buried. The Vulgate gives some countenance to this translation: "He who gives honour to a fool is like one who throws a stone to Mercury's heap." Mercury was considered the deity who presided over the highways; and stones were erected in different places to guide the traveller. Hence those lines of Dr. Young: - "Death stands like Mercuries in every way; And kindly points us to our journey's end."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:8
8. bindeth a stone in a sling] This, which is the rendering of the LXX. (ὅςἀποδεσμεύειλίθονἐνσφενδόνῃ), must be taken to mean, he who “bindeth fast” (R.V. marg.) a stone so that it cannot come out, thus frustrating by his action the very purpose for which a stone is put into a sling. Such a proceeding is a fit emblem of the incongruity of “giving honour to a fool.” But the Heb. word thus rendered “sling,” that which casts away stones, occurs nowhere else, and it may have the meaning of a heap or collection of stones. And it is so understood both in A.V. marg., As he that putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones, and in R.V. text, As a bag of gems in an heap of stones. This rendering gives point to the comparison: To put honour on one who is so utterly undeserving of it as a fool, is like hiding precious stones among worthless pebbles. It necessitates however our understanding the word “stone,” used absolutely and without anything in the context (as in Exodus 28:9; Exodus 35:27) to limit its meaning, of a precious stone or gem. Some commentators both ancient and modern have supposed that the “heap of stones” referred to is that under which the criminal who had been stoned to death lay buried. A similar idea appears in Coverdale’s rendering: “He that setteth a fool in hye dignite, that is even as yf a man dyd caste a precious stone upon the galous.” For the “bag,” “that which” (instead of “he that”) “bindeth fast,” or holdeth securely precious stones, or other valuables, comp. Proverbs 7:20; Genesis 42:35 (“bundle”), where the Heb. word is the same as here.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:8
i. e., “To give honor to the fool is like binding a stone in a sling; you cannot throw it.” In each case you misapply and so waste.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:8
8. As he that bindeth a stone — The margin reads: “As he that putteth a precious stone into a heap of stones.” The reading of the text is supported by the Septuagint and Syriac, and is preferred by
Sermons on Proverbs 26:8
| 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 |