Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Proverbs 26

The Book of Proverbs

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

CHAPTER 26

      1. The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied ( Pro 17:7 19:10 ).

      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.

      3. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.

      4, 5. Answer not--that is, approvingly by like folly.

      5. Answer--by reproof.

      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 ).

      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 JF & B for Introduction; Pro 17:7 ).

      8. A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.

      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.

      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.

      11. returneth. . . folly--Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.

      12. The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.

      13. (Compare Pro 22:13 ).

      14. (Compare Pro 6:10 24:33 ).

      15. (Compare Pro 19:24 ).

      16. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.

      17. meddleth--as in Pro 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.

      18, 19. Such are reckless of results.

      20, 21. The talebearers foster ( Pro 16:28 ), and the contentious excite, strife.

      22. (Compare Pro 18:8 ).

      23. Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.

      24. dissembleth--though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.

      25. Sentiment of Pro 26:24 carried out.
      seven abominations in his heart--that is, very many (compare Pro 24:16 ).

      26, 27. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare Pro 12:13 Psa 7:16 9:17, &c.).

      28. Men hate those they injure.
      A lying tongue--"lips" for the persons (compare Pro 4:24 Psa 12:3 ).