Proverbs 26:19

19 so [is] a man who deceives his neighbor, but says "Am I not 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 Grabbing onto the ears of a dog passing by [is] one who meddles in a quarrel [that is] not his own.

18 Like a maniac who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 so [is] a man who deceives his neighbor, but says "Am I not joking?"

20 For lack of wood, a fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling will cease.

21 [As] charcoal [is] to hot embers and wood [is] to fire, so a man of quarrels [is] to kindling strife.