Proverbs 25:26

26 A spring troubled, and a fountain corrupt, [Is] the righteous falling before the wicked.

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 Better to sit on a corner of a roof, Than [with] a woman of contentions, and a house of company.
25 [As] cold waters for a weary soul, So [is] a good report from a far country.
26 A spring troubled, and a fountain corrupt, [Is] the righteous falling before the wicked.
27 The eating of much honey is not good, Nor a searching out of one's own honour -- honour.
28 A city broken down without walls, [Is] a man without restraint over his spirit!
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.