Proverbs 26:19

19 So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest.

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 As he that taketh a dog by the ears, so is he that passeth by in anger, and meddleth with another man’s quarrel.

18 As he is guilty that shooteth arrows, and lances unto death.

19 So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest.

20 When the wood faileth, the fire shall go out: and when the talebearer is taken away, contentions shall cease.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so an angry man stirreth up strife.