Proverbs 25:26

26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give 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 housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, or to seek honor on top of honor.
28 Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.