Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26:1

so honour] Dignitie should wait upon desert. Psal. XII. 8. The contrarie is of very evil consequences many wayes.

Proverbs 26:2

the curse causelesse] As the Popes Excommunications, and Execrations with Bell, Book, and Candle, Psal. CIX. 28. Such Cursers are cursed; the curse will fall upon the Cursers head.

Proverbs 26:3

for the fools back.] Verse 4,—12. Chap. X. 13. chap. VII. 22. Psal. XXXII. 9.

Much, and often is spoken of fools in this Book of Solomons wise Proverbs: to mark them out as rocks at Sea, that we might avoid shipwrack thereon. Shortly thus; That the Foole feedeth on foolishnesse; it is joy to him; he is full of words: delights that his heart may discover it self: uttereth all his minde; layeth open his folly: saith to every one that he is a fool: whereas, if he held his peace, he might be counted wise: his instruction is folly: Excellent speech becomes him not: honour is not seemely for him: The legs of the lame are not equal; and so is a parable in the mouth of fools. His eyes are in the ends of the earth; his heart at his left hand; he will be medling: he enters into contention, and his mouth calleth for stroaks, Job V. 2. A stone is heavie, and the sand weighty, yet his wrath is heavier then them both. And as a whip is for the horse, a bridle for the Asse, so a rod for the fools back: yet he trusts in his own heart: that though thou shouldest bray him in a Morter among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishnesse depart from him: But as a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool to his folly. He hath no delight in understanding; it is too high for him: though a price be put in his hand, to get wisdome, yet he hath no heart; he doth despise, doth hate knowledge and reproof: yea the thought of foolishnesse is sinne.

He makes a mock of sinne; it is a sport to him to do mischief: And therefore saith Solomon, meddle not with him, or his companie. Answer him not according to his folly; unlesse it be shortly, to convince him; leave him, and go from his presence; for shame shall be his promotion; and destruction is near at hand, to wait upon him.

Proverbs 26:4-5

Not foolishly] As he speaks; or as soothing, humouring, or consenting to him therein: But in fit time and place, shortly, and soundly, to convince him.

Proverbs 26:5

Answer] Cast in somewhat that may sting him, and stop his mouth.

lest] He took upon himself as a conqueror; clap his wings, and crow.

These seeming contradictions and contrarieties, by due distinction of times, and other incident circumstances, and considerations, are easily reconciled. So Matth. XII. 30.

Proverbs 26:6-12

fool] See on verse 3.

Proverbs 26:8

bindeth a stone in a sling] Whereby the undiscreet and foolish slinger may do hurt to others; putting, as it were, a sword in a mad mans hand. Or, as others, As he that putteth a (precious) stone in an heap of stones; so, &c. Some make these heaps to be such, as into which every traveller passing by, out of superstition did cast a stone.

Proverbs 26:13-16

As a dog] 2 Pet. II. 22.

The sloathful man] See on chap. VI. 6.

Proverbs 26:17

with strife] As Jehoshaphat; and Ahaziah, in Ahabs, and his son Jehoram’s case at Ramoth Gilead: and Josiah with Pharaoh-Necho, 1 Thes. IV. 11. 1 Tim. V. 13. Yet to be a Peace-maker is not to be this medler.

is like] Him that takes a Lion by the beard, or a Bear by the tooth, or thrusts his hand into a Wasps nest.

Proverbs 26:18

deceiveth his neighbour] Under colour of jest and sport, Such mirth works much mischief; such jests and dry flouts are as dangerous as a sword in a mad mans hand, and handling, in his rage.

Proverbs 26:20

talebearer] Verse 22. and chap. XVIII. 8. and chap. XVI 28. chap. XXV. 23. Levit. XIX. 16. James III. 6.

Proverbs 26:21

a contentious man] That loves to live in the fire, Salamander-like.

Proverbs 26:23

Burning lips] Burning with pretended affection and hot love; and so drawing a fair glove on a foul hand. See verse 24, 25, 26.

Proverbs 26:25

believe him not] Iohn II. 24. David did not beleive Sauls fair promises. Psal. CXX. 2.

seven abominations] Many. As Verse 16. and XXIV. 16.

Proverbs 26:26

shewed] Detected sooner or later, and detested of all.

Proverbs 26:27

diggeth] Chap. V. 22. Psal. VII. 15, 16. and IX. 15. and X. 2. Eccles. X. 8.

a stone] As he that rolleth it up an hill.

Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue] False love proves true hatred; seeketh to do them more mischief whom he hath hurt before.