Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26
Verses 1-28
CHAPTER 26
Pr 26:1-28.
1. The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied (Pr 17:7; 19:10).
Verses 2
2. Though not obvious to us,
the bird—literally, "sparrow"—and
swallow—have an object in their motions, so penal evil falls on none without a reason.
Verses 3
3. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.
Verses 4
4, 5. Answer not—that is, approvingly by like folly.
Verses 5
5. Answer—by reproof.
Verses 6
6. A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed.
drinketh damage—that is, gets it abundantly (Job 15:16; 34:7).
Verses 7
7. legs … equal—or, "take away the legs," or "the legs … are weak." In any case the idea is that they are the occasion of an awkwardness, such as the fool shows in using a parable or proverb (see Introduction; Pr 17:7).
Verses 8
8. A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.
Verses 9
9. As vexatious and unmanageable as a thorn in a drunkard's hand is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt to misuse is as to use it rightly.
Verses 10
10. Various versions of this are proposed (compare Margin). Better perhaps—"Much He injures (or literally, "wounds") all who reward," &c., that is, society is injured by encouraging evil men.
transgressors—may be rendered "vagrants." The word "God" is improperly supplied.
Verses 11
11. returneth … folly—Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.
Verses 12
12. The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.
Verses 13
13. (Compare Pr 22:13).
Verses 14
14. (Compare Pr 6:10; 24:33).
Verses 15
15. (Compare Pr 19:24).
Verses 16
16. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.
Verses 17
17. meddleth—as in Pr 20:19; 24:21; as either holding a dog by the ears or letting him go involves danger, so success in another man's strife or failure involves a useless risk of reputation, does no good, and may do us harm.
Verses 18
18, 19. Such are reckless of results.
Verses 19-20
20, 21. The talebearers foster (Pr 16:28), and the contentious excite, strife.
Verses 21-22
22. (Compare Pr 18:8).
Verses 23
23. Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.
Verses 24
24. dissembleth—though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.
Verses 25
25. Sentiment of Pr 26:24 carried out.
seven abominations in his heart—that is, very many (compare Pr 24:16).
Verses 26
26, 27. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare Pr 12:13; Ps 7:16; 9:17, &c.).
Verses 27-28
28. Men hate those they injure.
A lying tongue—"lips" for the persons (compare Pr 4:24; Ps 12:3).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.