Proverbs 26
Lutheran reading notes
In Proverbs chapter 26, the wisdom literature continues to explore wisdom for righteous living and reverence for God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
Proverbs 26:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
Proverbs 26:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
Proverbs 26:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Proverbs 26:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. {conceit: Heb. eyes}
Proverbs 26:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, {and} drinketh damage. {damage: or, violence}
Proverbs 26:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
The legs of the lame are not equal: so {is} a parable in the mouth of fools. {are...: Heb. are lifted up}
Proverbs 26:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so {is} he that giveth honour to a fool. {bindeth...: or, putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones}
Proverbs 26:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
{As} a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so {is} a parable in the mouth of fools.
Proverbs 26:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
The great {God} that formed all {things} both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. {The great...: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors}
Proverbs 26:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
As a dog returneth to his vomit, {so} a fool returneth to his folly. {returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly}
Proverbs 26:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? {there is} more hope of a fool than of him.
Proverbs 26:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
The slothful {man} saith, {There is} a lion in the way; a lion {is} in the streets.
Proverbs 26:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
{As} the door turneth upon his hinges, so {doth} the slothful upon his bed.
Proverbs 26:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
The slothful hideth his hand in {his} bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. {it grieveth...: or, he is weary}
Proverbs 26:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
The sluggard {is} wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Proverbs 26:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
He that passeth by, {and} meddleth with strife {belonging} not to him, {is like} one that taketh a dog by the ears. {meddleth: or, is enraged}
Proverbs 26:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
As a mad {man} who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, {firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks}
Proverbs 26:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
So {is} the man {that} deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20
Where no wood is, {there} the fire goeth out: so where {there is} no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. {Where no...: Heb. Without wood} {talebearer: or, whisperer} {ceaseth: Heb. is silent}
Proverbs 26:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
{As} coals {are} to burning coals, and wood to fire; so {is} a contentious man to kindle strife.
Proverbs 26:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
The words of a talebearer {are} as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. {innermost...: Heb. chambers}
Proverbs 26:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
Burning lips and a wicked heart {are like} a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Proverbs 26:23 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; {dissembleth: or, is known}
Proverbs 26:24 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
25
When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for {there are} seven abominations in his heart. {speaketh...: Heb. maketh his voice gracious}
Proverbs 26:25 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
26
{Whose} hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the {whole} congregation. {by...: or, in secret}
Proverbs 26:26 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
27
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Proverbs 26:27 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
28
A lying tongue hateth {those that are} afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Proverbs 26:28 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.