Proverbs 26:3

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.^[a]

Proverbs 26:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:3

A whip for the horse
One that is dull of going, or refractory and wants breaking; a bridle for the ass;
not to curb and restrain it from going too fist, asses being generally dull; but to direct its way and turn it when necessary, it being stiffnecked and obstinate; though the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it a "spear" or "goad", something to prick with, and excite it to motion; and so the Targum; or otherwise one would have thought the whip was fitter for the ass and the bridle for the horse; and a rod for the fool's back;
suggesting that the fool, or wicked man, is like the horse or the mule; though not without understanding of things natural, yet of things divine and moral; and as stupid as the ass, however wise he may conceit himself to be, being born like a wild ass's colt; and instead of honour being given him, stripes should be laid upon him; he should be reproved sharply, and corrected for his wickedness, especially the causeless curser, ( Proverbs 19:29 ) .

Proverbs 26:3 In-Context

1 Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor is inappropriate for a fool.

2 Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow, an undeserved curse goes nowhere.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.

4 Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you'll be like him yourself.

5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he'll become wise in his own eyes.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 10:13; 19:29