Proverbs 25:26

26 Like a ¹trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

Proverbs 25:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:26

A righteous man falling dozen before the wicked
Either falling into calamity and distress by means of the wicked man, through his malice and cunning, and which be seeing, rejoices at; or crouching unto him, bowing before him, yielding to him, not daring to oppose or reprove him; or falling into sin in his presence, which he ever after reproaches him for, and openly exposes him, so that his usefulness is lost; and especially if he joins with the wicked man in his course of living; and particularly if a civil magistrate, and acts unrighteously in his office: he [is as] a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring;
like a spring or fountain muddied with the feet of men or beasts; so that; he who was before as a clear spring of flowing water, a fountain of justice to his neighbours, from whom good doctrine and wholesome advice flowed, is now of no use by instruction or example, but the contrary.

Proverbs 25:26 In-Context

24 It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

25 Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land.

26 Like a trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

27 It is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to search out one's own glory.

28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit.

Cross References

• 1. Ezekiel 32:2; Ezekiel 34:18, 19

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "ruined"