Proverbs 26
1Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,honor is not fitting for a fool. 2Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,an undeserved curse does not come to rest. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,and a rod for the backs of fools! 4Do not answer a fool according to his folly,or you yourself will be just like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly,or he will be wise in his own eyes. 6Sending a message by the hands of a foolis like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison. 7Like the useless legs of one who is lameis a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 8Like tying a stone in a slingis the giving of honor to a fool. 9Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s handis a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 10Like an archer who wounds at randomis one who hires a fool or any passer-by. 11As a dog returns to its vomit,so fools repeat their folly. 12Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?There is more hope for a fool than for them. 13A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,a fierce lion roaming the streets!” 14As a door turns on its hinges,so a sluggard turns on his bed. 15A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. 16A sluggard is wiser in his own eyesthan seven people who answer discreetly. 17Like one who grabs a stray dog by the earsis someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. 18Like a maniac shootingflaming arrows of death 19is one who deceives their neighborand says, “I was only joking!” 20Without wood a fire goes out;without a gossip a quarrel dies down. 21As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. 22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;they go down to the inmost parts. 23Like a coating of silver dross on earthenwareare fervent lips with an evil heart. 24Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,but in their hearts they harbor deceit. 25Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,for seven abominations fill their hearts. 26Their malice may be concealed by deception,but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 27Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. 28A lying tongue hates those it hurts,and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Study Context for Proverbs 26
As you study Proverbs 26, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Wisdom, Fear of the Lord, Righteousness. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
WisdomFear of the LordRighteousness
Observation: What does Proverbs 26 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Read in context:Proverbs 25Proverbs 27
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
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