Proverbs 26

1 rain in harvest. Between the “latter” and the “early rains,” i.e., from March to October, rain is an unusual and unseasonable phenomenon: cp. 1 Sam. xii. 17.

a fool. Dr. R. F. Horton (Expositor’s Bible) points out that there are three Hebrew words, all rendered by the one English expression, fool or folly. One signifies weakness, another depravity, and the third, which is the one uniformly used in this chapter, suggests grossness, a dull and heavy habit. The word “fool” here means, he thinks, “the senseless man.”

2. So the curse causeless shall not come. A curse unmerited, like these wandering birds, shall not settle—shall not take effect; “lighteth not,” R.V.

3 a bridle for the ass. The ass, in the East, is often quite as spirited an animal as the horse.

4. Answer not a fool, etc. Vers. 4, 5 may mean that a smart answer, though generally undesirable, may sometimes be useful. But it is more probable that the phrase “according to” has a different meaning in the two clauses: signifying in the former similitude, so as to be like him, and in the latter fitness, so as to rebuke him. Proverbs often present two sides of the same truth in apparently contradictory forms.

6. He that sendeth, etc. He fails in his purpose, and suffers injury.

7 are not equal. Rather, “hang loose” (R.V.); i.e., have no force or utility.

8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling. This is the most ancient rendering of the words; and it means that he makes no better use of it than a slinger would of a stone bound or fastened to his sling.

9. As a thorn goeth up, etc. Or, “As a thornstick (i.e., a cudgel) goes up in the hand of a drunken man”; i.e., is lifted up by him. This means that it is used injuriously to himself and others.

10. The great [God] that formed all [things], etc. The word “God” is not in the original. The verse is difficult. Moffatt renders, “An able man does everything himself; a fool hires the first passer-by.”

15. The slothful, etc. See note on xix. 24, a similar proverb.

17. He that passeth by, etc. Lit., “He who is excited by a quarrel that is not his, seizeth the ears of a dog passing by (a stray dog).” His hands are full for the time, and when he lets go he will probably be bitten.

19. Am not I in sport? Deceit in sport is always dangerous, often fatal.

21. As coals are to burning coals. Or, “as charcoal [added] to hot embers,” etc.

22 wounds. See note on xviii. 8.

23. Burning (or fervent) lips and a wicked heart, etc. Glowing expressions of love and regard, if joined with a malevolent mind, are like potsherds silvered over with dross: cp. x. 20.

25 seven abominations. That is, a multitude of evil thoughts.

28. A lying tongue, etc. A man hates those whom he has injured.