Proverbs 25:26

26 A righteous person giving in to the wicked is like a contaminated spring or a polluted fountain.

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 Better to live on the edge of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman.

25 Good news from a distant land is like cold water for a weary person.

26 A righteous person giving in to the wicked is like a contaminated spring or a polluted fountain.

27 Eating too much honey isn't good, nor is it appropriate to seek honor.

28 A person without self-control is like a breached city, one with no walls.