Proverbs 26

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:1-28

2. Fools and folly ch. 26The analogies in chapter 25 dealt with both wise and foolish conduct, but those in chapter 26 deal mainly with fools and folly. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:2

If someone curses another person who does not deserve it, the curse will not be effective (cf. Numbers 23:8). It will not attach itself to the person cursed, so to speak."It was commonly believed that blessings and curses had objective existence-that once uttered, the word was effectual. Scriptures make it clear that the power of a blessing or a curse depends on the power of the one behind it (e.g., Balaam could not curse what God had blessed; cf. Numbers 22:38; Numbers 23:8). This proverb... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:4-5

These pieces of advice do not contradict each other because each is wise in its own way. Proverbs 26:4 means that in replying to a fool one should not descend to his level by giving him a foolish response (e.g., 2 Kings 18:36). Proverbs 26:5 means that one should correct a fool so he will not conclude that he is right (e.g., Nehemiah 6:8; Job 2:9-10). Some of a fool’s comments do not deserve a reply (Proverbs 26:4), but others require one (Proverbs 26:5). In unimportant matters one should... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:8

By giving honor to a fool one arms him to do damage. This can happen, for example, by promoting him to a position of greater responsibility. The figure of binding a stone in a sling seems to suggest that the person doing the binding did not know how to operate a sling. People did not bind stones in slings but simply laid them in the sling so when the sling was slung the stone would fly out. Similarly one who expects a fool to accomplish something honorable does not know how things work. [Note:... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:11

A wise man does not repeat his folly, but a fool does. Similarly a dog returns to eat its vomit, but a man does not. A fool behaves like a dog rather than like a man when he repeats his folly (cf. 2 Peter 2:22). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 26:1-28

Fools. Sluggards. Talkers1-12. The vv. refer chiefly to fools.1. The Palestinian seasons were more regular than ours (1 Samuel 12:17). 2. This is a contradiction of the idea that the deity invoked in a curse was bound to inflict it (Genesis 27:33; Judges 17:2). The undeserved curse is compared to the aimless movements of a bird. 4, 5. Answer or not, according to circumstances (Matthew 12:30; Mark 9:39). 6. ’He that sends a fool means to follow him.’7. A fool is no more qualified to use a... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:1

XXVI.(1) As rain in harvest.—This was very unusual in Palestine (comp. 1 Samuel 12:17, sqq.), and of course very unsuitable for carrying on the work of harvest.So honour is not seemly for a fool.—i.e., for a dull person, confident in his own wisdom (Proverbs 1:22). It only confirms him in his good opinion of himself, making him less inclined than ever to learn. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:2

(2) As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying.—Rather, As the bird (any small one, especially the sparrow) is made for wandering, and the swallow for flying (where it pleases), so the curse causeless (i.e., spoken without reason) shall not come (reach its destination). The Hebrew reads in the margin “to him,” instead of “not,” in the sense that a causeless curse, though it passes out of sight like a bird in its flight, yet returns “to him” who uttered it—an idea expressed in more than... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:4

(4) Answer not a fool.—Comp. Proverbs 1:22.According to his folly.—Do not lower yourself by disputing or arguing with him; he will not take in your meaning, and will think he has got the better of you, perhaps will insult you. It is noticeable that our Lord never answered a question which should not have been asked Him, but always put it by (e.g., Matthew 21:23, sqq.; Luke 13:23-24; Luke 23:9; John 21:21-22; Acts 1:6, sqq.). read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:5

(5) Answer a fool according to his folly.—As his folly deserves, sharply and decisively, and in language suited to his comprehension. read more

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:1-28

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:2

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:4-5

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:8

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 26:11

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 26:1-28

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:1

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:2

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:4

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:5

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