Proverbs 26:16-26

16 A sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who most satisfactorily brings back a message.

17 As he that lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he that makes himself the champion of another's cause.

18 As those who need correction put forth words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;

19 so are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.

20 With much wood fire increases; but where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.

21 A hearth for coals, and wood for fire; and railing man for the tumult of strife.

22 The words of cunning knaves are soft; but they smite to the inmost parts of the bowels.

23 Silver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd: smooth lips cover a grievous heart.

24 A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.

25 Though enemy intreat thee with a loud voice, consent not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 He that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.

Proverbs 26:16-26 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 13

In this chapter is an account of a man of God being sent to exclaim against Jeroboam's altar, and threaten its destruction, of which he gave a sign, which was accomplished, and with it the withering of the king's hand, which was healed upon the prophet's prayer for him, 1Ki 13:1-7, who would have entertained him at his house, but he refused the offer, and departed, 1Ki 13:8-10, but an old prophet in Bethel hearing of him, rode after him, and fetched him back to eat bread with him, through a lie he told him, 1Ki 13:11-19 upon which the word came to the old prophet, threatening the man of God with death for disobeying his command, and which was accordingly executed by a lion that met him in the way, and slew him, 1Ki 13:20-24, of which the old prophet being informed, went and took up his carcass, and buried it in his own sepulchre, where he charged his sons to bury him also when dead, believing that all the man of God had said would be fulfilled, 1Ki 13:25-30 and the chapter is closed with observing the continuance of Jeroboam in his idolatry, 1Ki 13:33,34.

Footnotes

• [a]. Compare Heb.