Proverbs 25:26

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked [is as] a turbid fountain, and a corrupt spring.

Proverbs 25:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:26

A righteous man falling dozen before the wicked
Either falling into calamity and distress by means of the wicked man, through his malice and cunning, and which be seeing, rejoices at; or crouching unto him, bowing before him, yielding to him, not daring to oppose or reprove him; or falling into sin in his presence, which he ever after reproaches him for, and openly exposes him, so that his usefulness is lost; and especially if he joins with the wicked man in his course of living; and particularly if a civil magistrate, and acts unrighteously in his office: he [is as] a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring;
like a spring or fountain muddied with the feet of men or beasts; so that; he who was before as a clear spring of flowing water, a fountain of justice to his neighbours, from whom good doctrine and wholesome advice flowed, is now of no use by instruction or example, but the contrary.

Proverbs 25:26 In-Context

24 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
25 [As] cold waters to a thirsty soul, so [is] good news from a far country.
26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked [is as] a turbid fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27 [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory.
28 He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls.
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