Proverbs 25:26

26 [Like] a muddied spring and a polluted well, [so] is a righteous person who gives in to a wicked person.

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 a corner of a roof than to share a home with a quarreling woman.
25 [Like] cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from far away.
26 [Like] a muddied spring and a polluted well, [so] is a righteous person who gives in to a wicked person.
27 Eating too much honey is not good, and searching for honor is not honorable.
28 [Like] a city broken into [and] left without a wall, [so] is a person who lacks self-control.
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