Proverbs 26:16

This lazy man is like the man in verse 12. Both men think that they are wise. But the lazy man thinks that he is the wisest of all men. The lazy man thinks this because he refuses to work. But he is not clever when he avoids a task. The lazy man may become poor. He may suffer for his attitude. He might even starve.

The lazy man ought to work. He should learn a skill. Then people will respect him. Then he will deserve honour.

v17 Do not grasp a dog’s ears!

And do not interrupt when other people argue!

v18 A mad man shoots burning arrows.

v19 Another man lies. Then he says, ‘I was joking!’

v20 Without fuel, there is no fire.

If nobody gossips, there is no argument.

v21 Wood starts a fire.

A man who disagrees starts an argument.

v22 When someone gossips, his words are like a favourite food.

The words, like the food, enter right into a man.

v23 A cheap pot might have a silky surface.

And an evil man might speak well.