Proverbs 26:19

19 so is the man that deceiveth his neighbor and saith, "Am I not 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 He that passeth by and meddleth in strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows and death,

19 so is the man that deceiveth his neighbor and saith, "Am I not in jest?"

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so, where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.