Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26:1

AS raine] The meaning is; either that it is a very rare thing in those Countries, 1 Samuel 12:17. Or that store of raine, is troublesome, and hurtfull in harvest time.

Proverbs 26:2

By wandring] The Italian Wandereth] That is to say is carried here, and there by the wind, by reason of her lightnesse; so the curse which is without reason or just cause, shall not take any effect.

Proverbs 26:4

According to his] Imitating his passions, and undecent carriage.

Proverbs 26:5

According to his] With reason, and to the purpose, to beate downe his presumption and ignorance.

Proverbs 26:6

Cutteth off] And if any one were so madd as to cut off his owne feet, he were punished by himselfe, being thereby made unfit for any action or motion. So it a man employeth in a message, or embassage, au uncapable & unworthy person, he spoyleth all his businesse; and cannot hope for any good issue.

Proverbs 26:7

Are not equall] The Italian The lame man halteth] The Hebrew phrase is taken from well buckets whereof the one commeth up when the other goeth downe So is] Good words and discourses which are sometimes uttered by a foole, are not of any continuance nor alwayes alike, but are still seconded by some notable impertinency, neither doe they sound well in his mouth.

Proverbs 26:8

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is hee that giveth honour to a foole, The Italian hath it, Hee that giveth honour to a foole, doth as one that throweth a precious stone, into a heape of stones. Notes Doth as the] That is to say looseth all the honour which hee doth to him, it being drowned, and brought to nothing, through the fooles frequent actions: even as a Jewell cannot be seene, nor shew its lustre, being buried in a heape of stones Precious] The Hebrew set, or unset, namely artificially in a faire-ring A heape] He hath a relation to certaine heapes of stones, which were heaped up for directions in high wayes, which were consecrated by heathens and Idolaters, to an Idoll whom they termed a guide of high wayes.

Proverbs 26:9

A parable] As a man whose minde is troubled with excessive drinking, having a thorne in his hand, can make no use of it, but must hurt himselfe or others with it: even so a mad man, when he hath learned any good sentence or parable, makes a contrarie and undiscreet use of it, to the wrong and offence of others.

Proverbs 26:10

The great God, &c.] the Italian, Great ones grieve all men, and they hire fooles and travellers] That is to say, Kings and Princes sometimes doe erre greatly, grieving their subject; with imposts and taxes, to spend foolishly upon jesters, fooles, vagabonds and strangers, who bring some new or curious thing out of foreigne countries.

Proverbs 26:12

Of a foole] That is so, and knoweth and openly professeth himselfe to be so.

Proverbs 26:14

Vpon his bed] Out of which through lazinesse he is loath to come.

Proverbs 26:16

The sluggard] As having made choice of a most happie kinde of life: in tranquillity without care: in security, without danger of any chances which may befall one in an active life: in liberty, free from all bonds and duties; in honour, not vilifying himselfe to doe any base or inferiour acts. In delight without any labour or griefe. See Ecclesiastes 4:6 That can render] As lawyers, who resolve questions of law. Or those who formerly did resolve obscure questions, either naturall, politick or morall.

Proverbs 26:17

Is like one] Puts himselfe into danger of not appeasing the quarrell, and to bring evill upon himselfe. As he that holdeth a Dog or a Wolfe by the eares, cannot hold him long, and doth the more anger him and provoke him, by holding him.

Proverbs 26:18

asteth] Offendeth willingly and in deed.

Proverbs 26:20

Tale-bearers] Or whisperers, who doe incense enraged hearts.

Proverbs 26:23

Burning] With calumniations and slanders Are like] Such persons have no worth, neither without nor within, even as a potsheard which is coloured over with the drosse of silver, hath some lustre upon it, but is of no value.

Proverbs 26:26

Shall be shewed] God shall through some misbehaviour cause it to be brought to light for to have it punished by publick order of justice.

Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue] The Calumniator and false accuser, who is set on by hatred and malice, and the flatterer who seemes to be moved by love, doe both produce one effect, namely ruine and calamity.