Worthy.Bible » ASV » Proverbs » Chapter 26 » Verse 3

Proverbs 26:3 American Standard (ASV)

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools.

Cross Reference

Psalms 32:9 ASV

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; Whose trappings must be bit and bridle to hold them in, `Else' they will not come near unto thee.

Proverbs 10:13 ASV

In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Judges 8:5-7 ASV

And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand, that we should give bread unto thine army? And Gideon said, Therefore when Jehovah hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.

Proverbs 17:10 ASV

A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.

Proverbs 19:25 ASV

Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, `and' he will understand knowledge.

Proverbs 19:29 ASV

Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs 27:22 ASV

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with bruised grain, Yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

1 Corinthians 4:21 ASV

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

2 Corinthians 10:6 ASV

and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

2 Corinthians 13:2 ASV

I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

Commentary on Proverbs 26 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 26

Pr 26:1-28.

1. The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied (Pr 17:7; 19:10).

2. Though not obvious to us,

the bird—literally, "sparrow"—and

swallow—have an object in their motions, so penal evil falls on none without a reason.

3. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.

4, 5. Answer not—that is, approvingly by like folly.

5. Answer—by reproof.

6. A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed.

drinketh damage—that is, gets it abundantly (Job 15:16; 34:7).

7. legs … equal—or, "take away the legs," or "the legs … are weak." In any case the idea is that they are the occasion of an awkwardness, such as the fool shows in using a parable or proverb (see Introduction; Pr 17:7).

8. A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.

9. As vexatious and unmanageable as a thorn in a drunkard's hand is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt to misuse is as to use it rightly.

10. Various versions of this are proposed (compare Margin). Better perhaps—"Much He injures (or literally, "wounds") all who reward," &c., that is, society is injured by encouraging evil men.

transgressors—may be rendered "vagrants." The word "God" is improperly supplied.

11. returneth … folly—Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.

12. The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.

13. (Compare Pr 22:13).

14. (Compare Pr 6:10; 24:33).

15. (Compare Pr 19:24).

16. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.

17. meddleth—as in Pr 20:19; 24:21; as either holding a dog by the ears or letting him go involves danger, so success in another man's strife or failure involves a useless risk of reputation, does no good, and may do us harm.

18, 19. Such are reckless of results.

20, 21. The talebearers foster (Pr 16:28), and the contentious excite, strife.

22. (Compare Pr 18:8).

23. Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.

24. dissembleth—though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.

25. Sentiment of Pr 26:24 carried out.

seven abominations in his heart—that is, very many (compare Pr 24:16).

26, 27. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare Pr 12:13; Ps 7:16; 9:17, &c.).

28. Men hate those they injure.

A lying tongue—"lips" for the persons (compare Pr 4:24; Ps 12:3).