Proverbi 26:3

3 La sferza al cavallo, ed il capestro all’asino, E il bastone al dosso degli stolti.

Proverbi 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 ) .

Proverbi 26:3 In-Context

1 Come la neve non si conviene alla state, Nè la pioggia al tempo della ricolta, Così la gloria non si conviene allo stolto.

2 Come il passero vaga, e la rondinella vola, Così la maledizione data senza cagione non avverrà.

3 La sferza al cavallo, ed il capestro all’asino, E il bastone al dosso degli stolti.

4 Non rispondere allo stolto secondo la sua follia; Che talora anche tu non gli sii agguagliato.

5 Rispondi allo stolto, come si conviene alla sua follia; Che talora non gli paia d’esser savio.