Proverbs 26:1-7

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

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:6

(6) Cutteth off the feet.—He wants his business done, but if he sends a fool to do it, he might as well cut off his messenger’s legs, for the business will not be transacted; nay, worse than this, he will “drink damage,” i.e., suffer positive mischief from the blundering of his emissary. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 26:7

(7) The legs of the lame are not equal.—Better, perhaps. The legs hang down from a lame man, and so is a parable (useless) in the mouth of fools; they can make no more use of it for the guidance of themselves or others, than can a lame man use his legs. (Comp. Luke 8:10.) read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Proverbs 26:1-28

Proverbs 26:7 'The legs of the lame are not equal:' so, says the wise man, 'is a parable in the mouth of fools'. That is to say, the parable in the mouth of fools is not equal; it fails of an all-round interpretation which will carry conviction concerning the truth which it seeks to emphasize and enforce. I. Some very good people pride themselves on the open mind. They look upon any one who may, upon any subject, arrive at any definite conclusion, which will commit them to any definite opinion,... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 26:1-28

CHAPTER 27THE FOOL"As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool…A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage. The legs of the lame hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. As a... read more

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