Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26:1

snow in summer . . . rain. These are as rare and as exceptional as honour is to a fool.

a fool. Hebrew. kesil. See note on Proverbs 1:7.

Proverbs 26:2

by . . . by = for . . . for: or [has cause] for.

So the curse, &c. Illustrations: Baalam’s (Nehemiah 13:2); Goliath’s (1 Samuel 17:43); Shimei’s (2 Samuel 16:5, 2 Samuel 16:12).

Proverbs 26:3

the fool’s back = the back of fools.

Proverbs 26:4

Answer not. The point of Pro 26:3 is that you cannot reason with a fool; Proverbs 26:4 gives the reason. If you answer not according to his folly, he will think he is wise like yourself. If you do answer him according to his folly, he will think you are a fool like he is: i.e. according to Proverbs 26:3 you cannot reason with him. These are finely stated facts, not commands.

folly. Hebrew. ’evil. See note on Proverbs 1:7.

Proverbs 26:5

conceit = eyes.

Proverbs 26:6

sendeth a message: or, transacteth business.

Cutteth off the feet: i.e. his own feet = renders himself helpless.

Proverbs 26:7

legs = clothes; “legs” put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for the clothes on them.

are not equal = are lifted up: i.e. the clothes being lifted up expose the lame legs. So a fool exposes his folly in expounding a parable.

Proverbs 26:8

bindeth = bindeth tight: a foolish thing to do.

Proverbs 26:9

a drunkard: i.e. insensible to a thorn.

Proverbs 26:10

The great God, &c. Render: “A master [workman] formeth all himself aright: but he that hireth a fool, hireth a transgressor [who will spoil the work]. "

rewardeth. Hebrew. sakar, to hire.

Proverbs 26:11

As a dog, &c. Quoted in 2 Peter 2:22.

returneth = repeateth. Illustrations: Pharaoh (Exodus 9:27-34); Ahab (1 Kings 21:27; 1 Kings 22:6-8); Herod (Mark 6:20-27).

Proverbs 26:13

a lion = a black lion.

Proverbs 26:15

hideth = burieth.

bosom = dish, as in 2 Kings 21:13. 2 Kings 19:24.

It grieveth him = It is hard for him, or he is too lazy.

Proverbs 26:16

men. No Hebrew for this word here.

Proverbs 26:17

meddleth = vexeth himself.

Proverbs 26:19

deceiveth. Hebrew. ramah. See note on Proverbs 11:18. Not the same word as in Proverbs 26:26.

Proverbs 26:22

wounds = self-inflicted wounds. Compare Proverbs 18:8.

Proverbs 26:23

Burning lips: i.e. warm professions.

silver dross. Figure of speech Hypallage (App-6). Hebrew = silver of dross.

Proverbs 26:25

speaketh fair = maketh his voice gracious.

Proverbs 26:26

deceit. Hebrew. nasha’. See note on Proverbs 11:18. Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 26:19, Proverbs 26:24.

congregation = assembly.

Proverbs 26:27

shall fall therein. Illustrations: Jacob, who deceived with a kid (Genesis 27:14), was deceived by a kid (Genesis 37:31, Genesis 37:32); David and the sword (2 Samuel 11:14, 2 Samuel 11:15, and 2 Samuel 12:10); Haman and the gallows (Esther 7:10; see Psalms 9:16).

Proverbs 26:28

hateth, &c. : i.e.: “Forgiveness to the injured doth belong; They ne’er pardon who have done the wrong. "