Proverbs 26:10
Proverbs 26:10 in Multiple Translations
Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
As an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by.
Like an archer wounding all who go by, is a foolish man overcome by drink.
Anyone who hires someone stupid or just a passer-by is like an archer wounding people by shooting arrows at random.
The excellent that formed all things, both rewardeth the foole and rewardeth the transgressers.
Great [is] the Former of all, And He is rewarding a fool, And is rewarding transgressors.
As an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool or he who hires those who pass by.
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
Judgment determineth causes: and he that putteth a fool to silence, appeaseth anger.
A man who shoots arrows to try to wound everybody who is near is foolish; similarly, anyone who hires a foolish person who passes by is very foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 26:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַ֥ב
מְחֽוֹלֵֽל
כֹּ֑ל
וְ/שֹׂכֵ֥ר
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
וְ/שֹׂכֵ֥ר
עֹבְרִֽים
רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מְחֽוֹלֵֽל
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-m
כֹּ֑ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
וְ/שֹׂכֵ֥ר
sâkar
H7936
to hire
Conj | V-Qal
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
וְ/שֹׂכֵ֥ר
sâkar
H7936
to hire
Conj | V-Qal
עֹבְרִֽים
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:10
רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מְחֽוֹלֵֽל
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-m
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
כֹּ֑ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
וְ/שֹׂכֵ֥ר
sâkar
H7936
"to hire"
Conj | V-Qal
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
וְ/שֹׂכֵ֥ר
sâkar
H7936
"to hire"
Conj | V-Qal
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.
עֹבְרִֽים
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:10
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:10
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
8Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
9Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.
11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. 12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 2:6 | God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 11:31 | If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner! |
Proverbs 26:10 Summary
Proverbs 26:10 teaches us that hiring someone who is not qualified or reliable can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful results. This is like an archer who shoots arrows without aiming, not knowing who or what they will hit. As seen in Proverbs 22:3, a prudent person sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. We should be careful when delegating tasks to others and seek wisdom and guidance from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, to avoid the dangers of foolishness and make wise decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Proverbs 26:10?
The main point of Proverbs 26:10 is that hiring a fool or someone who is not committed to the task can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful results, as illustrated by the example of an archer who wounds at random, much like the unpredictability of a fool's actions as seen in Proverbs 26:9 where a proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a thorn in the hand of a drunkard.
Why is it so dangerous to hire a fool or passerby?
Hiring a fool or passerby can be dangerous because they may not have the necessary skills, knowledge, or commitment to perform the task safely and effectively, as warned in Proverbs 19:2 where it says that desire without knowledge is not good, and that whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being cautious when delegating tasks to others, especially if they are not qualified or reliable, and by seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
What is the relationship between this verse and other verses in Proverbs?
This verse is related to other verses in Proverbs that warn against the dangers of foolishness, such as Proverbs 26:11 where it says that a fool repeats his folly, and Proverbs 12:1 where it says that whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I may be tempted to hire someone who is not qualified or reliable, and how can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 26:10 to those situations?
- How can I discern whether someone is a fool or a wise person, and what are the characteristics that distinguish one from the other?
- What are some potential consequences of hiring a fool or passerby, and how can I mitigate those risks?
- How can I seek wisdom and guidance from God when making decisions about who to hire or work with, and what role should prayer and discernment play in that process?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:10
The great [God], that formed all [things],.... That made the heavens, earth, and sea, and all that are in them; who is great in the perfections of his nature, and in the works of his hands, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:10
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
God, who is oft called great, as 135:5, &c., and is described by the name of the Most High, as 21:7, &c., who created all things, and therefore observeth and governeth all men and things, will certainly give that recompence which is meet for and deserved by fools and transgressors, i.e. by such as sin either through ignorance and heedlessness, or wilfully and wickedly. Or, as it is the margin, A great man (a prince or potentate, who are called by this title, , &c.) grieveth (as this word is used, 53:5, and elsewhere) all, (to wit, all that are subject to him, or all that stand in his way) he hireth (as this word most commonly signifies) the fools, he hireth also transgressors. So the sense is, It is the manner of many princes to vex and oppress their subjects, which because they cannot do by themselves alone, they hire others, both fools, who do not know or consider what they do, and transgressors, who are ready to execute all their commands, right or wrong, that they may be their instruments in that work.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
Proverbs 26:10 The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.Ver. 10. The great God that formed all things.] As he made all so he maintains all, even the evil and the unthankful. God deals not as that cruel Duke of Alva did in the Netherlands; - some he roasted to death, saith the historian, starved others, and that even after quarter, saying, though he promised to give them their lives, he did not promise to find them meat; - but as he hath given them their lives, forfeited in Adam, so he allows them a livelihood, gives them their portion in this life, fills their bellies with his good treasure, but by it sends leanness into their souls, or if he fattens them, it is to fit them for destruction, as fated ware is fitted for the meat market. Grimston.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
(10) The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.—If this rendering of the passage could stand, Matthew 6:2 might be quoted in illustration of it. If fools and transgressors will set their mind upon “husks” (Luke 15:16) instead of the food God has provided for His children, He does not deny it to them; they have the reward they seek for. But the Hebrew can hardly yield this meaning. Of all the various renderings suggested, perhaps the most unobjectionable is as follows. A master (one skilled in his art), produces everything (by his own care and oversight he sees himself that it is properly done); but a fool hires (others to do his work), and he hires passers by., i.e., any casual person that comes in his way, whether skilled or not, and so the work is done badly.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
Verse 10. The great God that formed all things] See the margin, where this verse is very differently translated. I shall add that of Coverdale: "A man of experience discerneth all thinges well: but whoso hyreth a foole, hyreth soch one as wyl take no hede." The רב rab may mean either the great God, or a great man: hence the two renderings, in the text and in the margin.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:10
10. The number and variety of interpretations which have been given to this verse justify the remark of R.V. marg. that “The Hebrew is obscure.” The rendering of R.V. text is: As an archer (comp. Job 16:13, where the same Heb. word is so rendered) that woundeth all, so is he that hireth the fool and he that hireth them that pass by. But the objection to this is that instead of the fool being the main subject, as he is in all this group of proverbs, he is out of place, and the introduction of him mars the symmetry of the proverb, which should run: As an archer who wounds every one within his reach, friend and foe alike, so is a master who hires all who pass by, good workman and bad indifferently. For this reason, if for no other, the rendering of R.V. margin is to be preferred: A master-worker formeth all things (we may supply in thought, either (1) and in order to do so makes wise choice of his instruments, or (2) he therefore is wise who employs such an one); but he that hireth the fool is as he that hireth them that pass by—every unskilled instrument that comes to his hand. The introduction of the word God in A.V. is without authority, and the sense given by it to the proverb is less pertinent.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:10
The word “God” is not in the original, and the adjective translated “great” is never used elsewhere absolutely in that sense.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
10. The great God, etc. — Here again we have a verse of much difficulty, by reason of the uncertainty of the true import of several words. The word GOD is not in the original.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and deep radical changes in the church and its leadership. They suggest that the current emphasis in the church is pr |
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Why You Must Know God in Person by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the comforting presence of God in times of darkness and despair. They share personal experiences of feeling hopeless and burdened, but also |
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Our Ambition Is to Please Him by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the purpose that God has prepared for each individual. He emphasizes the longing for eternal life and the desire to be clothed in immortality |
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The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne! by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge an |
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The Judgement Seat of Christ by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the foundation and superstructure in the Christian life. Salvation is dependent on being on the foundation, which assures |
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The Word of Reconciliation by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses why Christians in Texas don't get overwhelmed by the challenges and uncertainties of life. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who remai |
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How to Study Your Bible - Part 1 by Kay Arthur | In this sermon, Kay Arthur teaches on how to study the Bible effectively. She emphasizes the importance of engaging all of our senses when studying, as it helps with memory retenti |