Proverbes 26:3

3 Le fouet est pour le cheval, le mors pour l'âne, et la verge pour le dos des insensés.

Proverbes 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 ) .

Proverbes 26:3 In-Context

1 Comme la neige en été, et la pluie pendant la moisson, ainsi la gloire ne convient point à un fou.

2 Comme l'oiseau s'enfuit, et comme l'hirondelle s'envole, ainsi la malédiction non méritée n'atteindra point.

3 Le fouet est pour le cheval, le mors pour l'âne, et la verge pour le dos des insensés.

4 Ne réponds point au fou selon sa folie, de peur que tu ne lui ressembles toi-même.

5 Réponds au fou selon sa folie, de peur qu'il ne s'imagine qu'il est sage.