Proverbs 26 - Introduction

NOTICEABLE GROUPINGS IN CHAPTER 26

Comparisons using as

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not seemly for a fool (Proverbs 26:1).

As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not (Proverbs 26:2).

As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool (Proverbs 26:8).

As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:9).

As an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by (Proverbs 26:10).

As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly (Proverbs 26:11).

As the door turneth upon its hinges, So doth the sluggard upon his bed (Proverbs 26:14).

As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport? (Proverbs 26:18-19).

As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife (Proverbs 26:21).

The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts (Proverbs 26:22).

Fools

Honor is not seemly for a fool (Proverbs 26:1).

A rod for the back of fools (Proverbs 26:3).

Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him (Proverbs 26:4).

Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit (Proverbs 26:5).

He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage (Proverbs 26:6).

The legs of the lame hang loose; So is a parable in the mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:7).

As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool (Proverbs 26:8).

As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:9).

As an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool (Proverbs 26:10).

As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly (Proverbs 26:11).

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him (Proverbs 26:12).

Sluggard

The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way (Proverbs 26:13).

As the door turneth upon its hinges, So doth the sluggard upon his bed (Proverbs 26:14).

The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth (Proverbs 26:15).

The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason (Proverbs 26:16).

Tongue

Answer not a fool according to his folly...Answer a fool according to his folly (Proverbs 26:4-5).

So is a parable in the mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:7; Proverbs 26:9).

Where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20).

The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts (Proverbs 26:22).

Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross (Proverbs 26:23).

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him: When he speaketh fair, believe him not (Proverbs 26:24-25).

A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded (Proverbs 26:28).

A flattering mouth worketh ruin (Proverbs 26:28).

Honor

Honor is not seemly for a fool (Proverbs 26:1).

As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool (Proverbs 26:8).

Conceit

Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit (Proverbs 26:5).

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him (Proverbs 26:12).

The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason (Proverbs 26:16).

Comparisons using like

He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belong not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17).

Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross (Proverbs 26:23).

Strife

He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17).

Where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20).

So is a contentious man to inflame strife (Proverbs 26:21),

Deceit

So is a man that deceiveth his neighbor (Proverbs 26:19).

He layeth up deceit within him (Proverbs 26:24).

When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart (Proverbs 26:25).

His hatred cover itself with guile (Proverbs 26:26).

A flattering mouth worketh ruin (Proverbs 26:28).

WISDOM COUCHED IN WISE SAYINGS

We are told in I Kings that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs. Wise men of all ages have had their favorite sayingsall brief, but loaded with meaning and application. Paul in his writings talks of and coins sayings which he says are faithful or true and worthy of all acceptation or can be counted on.

Great truths are needed for everyday living, and they need to be well worded that they might always be remembered and used. The first verses of Proverbs tell us the purpose of proverbs: The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: to understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings (Proverbs 1:1-6).