Proverbs 26:19

19 are those who deceive their neighbor and say, "Hey, I was only joking!"

Proverbs 26:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:19

So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour
By telling him a lie; or by reporting false things concerning him; or by cheating him in trade and commerce; or by taking his goods privately from him; and, when caught in either of these, and saith, Am not I in sport?
do not be angry, I designed no hurt; it is all in jest, a mere joke: but, had he not been apprehended, it would have been in earnest, as he was. This is only an excuse, and as absurd an one as if a man should set fire to his neighbour's house and barns, or throw arrows at him, or strike him with any instrument of death, as the sword and then say he was only in jest, or pretend madness.

Proverbs 26:19 In-Context

17 Like yanking the ears of a dog, so is one who passes by and gets involved in another person's fight.

18 Like a crazy person shooting deadly flaming arrows

19 are those who deceive their neighbor and say, "Hey, I was only joking!"

20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossips, conflict calms down.

21 Like adding charcoal to embers or wood to fire, quarrelsome people kindle strife.