Proverbs 26:3

3 A whip is for a horse. A harness is for a donkey. And a beating is for the backs of foolish people.

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 It isn't proper to honor a foolish person. That's like having snow in summer or rain at harvest time.

2 A curse given for no reason is like a wandering bird or a flying sparrow. It doesn't go anywhere.

3 A whip is for a horse. A harness is for a donkey. And a beating is for the backs of foolish people.

4 Don't answer a foolish person in keeping with his foolish acts. If you do, you will be like him yourself.

5 Answer a foolish person in keeping with his foolish acts. If you do, he won't be wise in his own eyes.