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Prov. 26:4–5 At first these verses seem to contradict each other. But the fact that they are grouped together shows they do not. Rather, they cover two situations. The reader must determine when it is best to answer not a fool (ignore him) and when to answer him. He must be answered if silence would cause harm to the fool or to others.
Prov. 26:12 Even more hopeless than the situation of the fool (vv. 1–11) is the situation of the stubbornly unteachable person, who is wise in his own eyes (see v. 5).
Prov. 26:13–16 These proverbs focus on the sluggard. He looks ridiculous in his laziness (vv. 13–15) even while considering himself wise (v. 16). In fearing the lion (v. 13), he uses a remote possibility of danger as an excuse for not working.
Prov. 26:17–22 These proverbs describe a person who uses his words carelessly.
Prov. 26:17 Someone who stands behind a passing dog and grabs it by the ears is temporarily safe from harm. But he is actually trapped, because the angry dog will attack him when he lets go.
Prov. 26:23–28 These verses concern the liar. He artfully disguises his lies, and one should take care not to be fooled by him (vv. 23–25). Eventually his lies will be exposed and he will be trapped in his own deceit (vv. 26–28).
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