Folly and Foolish Behavior in Speech and Deeds
Proverbs 26:1-28
Pro.26.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כשלג: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקיץ: PREP
- וכמטר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקציר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- נאוה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- לכסיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:35 (thematic): Same proverb tradition contrasting honor and fools—wisdom receives honor while fools receive shame, echoing that honor is not fitting for a fool.
- Ecclesiastes 10:1 (thematic): Uses the image of a small folly spoiling a good reputation—similar idea that folly makes honor incongruous or unsuitable.
- Psalm 49:20 (thematic): Speaks of one who is honored but lacks understanding and is like the beasts—parallels the claim that honor is not seemly for a fool.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 (thematic): New Testament counterpoint: God often chooses the 'foolish' to shame the wise; thematically related as a reflection/contrast on folly and honor.
Alternative generated candidates
- Like snow in summer and like rain at harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
- Like snow in summer and like rain at harvest—honor does not suit a fool.
Pro.26.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כצפור: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לנוד: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- כדרור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעוף: INF,qal
- כן: ADV
- קללת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- חנם: ADV
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- תבא: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 54:17 (thematic): Promises that hostile words or weapons formed against the righteous will not succeed—echoes the idea that an unjust curse will not ‘alight’ or have effect.
- Psalm 11:6 (thematic): Depicts divine justice coming upon the wicked rather than curses resting on the innocent; connects to the proverb’s trust that baseless curses will not stand.
- Proverbs 26:27 (structural): Another proverb in the same chapter about retributive consequences (whoever digs a pit will fall into it), reflecting the book’s theme that malicious actions/words rebound rather than prosper.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 (thematic): Declares ‘Vengeance is mine’ and that God will repay; thematically parallels the assurance that unjust curses/hostility will not ultimately settle on the innocent.
Alternative generated candidates
- Like a sparrow that wanders and a swallow that flies, so a curse without cause will not alight.
- As a bird that wanders and as a sparrow that flies, so a curse without cause will not alight on a man.
Pro.26.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שוט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לסוס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחמור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושבט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- לגו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כסילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Prov.19:29 (verbal): Uses the same imagery of blows/stripes for fools — 'blows for the backs of fools,' a close verbal parallel to the 'rod for the backs of fools'.
- Prov.13:24 (thematic): Portrays the rod as the proper instrument of correction/discipline (e.g., 'whoever spares the rod hates his son'), linking the rod to disciplining the foolish or wayward.
- Prov.22:15 (thematic): States that the rod drives folly from a child ('the rod of correction will drive it far from him'), reinforcing the theme of the rod as means to correct folly.
- Prov.26:4-5 (structural): Immediate context on how to deal with fools (contrasting commands about answering a fool), developing the same subject of appropriate responses and controls when confronting folly.
Alternative generated candidates
- A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
- A whip for the horse, a bit for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.
Pro.26.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תען: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms,sg
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאולתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons,3,m,sg
- פן: CONJ
- תשוה: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:5 (structural): Immediate companion verse that gives the opposite injunction—together they form a deliberate paradox about when to answer a fool.
- Proverbs 23:9 (thematic): Warns against speaking in the hearing of a fool because he will despise wisdom, echoing the advice to avoid answering a fool.
- Proverbs 17:28 (thematic): Observes that silence can make a fool appear wise, supporting the counsel not to answer a fool.
- Proverbs 14:7 (thematic): Advises leaving the presence of a fool since one will not gain knowledge there—another warning against engaging with fools.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you become like him.
- Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you become like him.
Pro.26.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאולתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- פן: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:4 (structural): Directly paired with 26:5; presents the opposite instruction ('Do not answer a fool...') creating a deliberate antithetical tension about how to deal with fools.
- Proverbs 12:15 (verbal): Uses the same idea that a fool considers his way right/wise in his own eyes, echoing the concern that a fool may be 'wise in his own eyes' if not properly answered.
- Proverbs 26:12 (verbal): Repeats the phrase and theme 'wise in his own eyes,' warning about the danger of self-assured folly and reinforcing the need for appropriate response.
- Proverbs 9:8 (thematic): Contrasts how to reproach different kinds of people: 'Do not reprove a scoffer' versus reprove the wise, reflecting themes about when correction is effective with fools.
- Proverbs 23:9 (thematic): Advises silence before a fool ('Do not speak in the hearing of a fool'), another perspective on managing interaction with fools that complements the caution in 26:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
- Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Pro.26.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רגלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שתה: VERB,qal,impv,2,sg
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:4 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same unit; v.4 gives the contrasting instruction about answering a fool and belongs to the cluster on how to deal with fools and foolish speech.
- Proverbs 26:5 (verbal): Neighboring verse that balances v.4 and v.6—together these verses form a set of proverbs about when and how speech directed at fools brings harm or benefit.
- Proverbs 26:7 (verbal): Uses physical/metaphorical imagery to describe the foolishness of certain actions; like v.6 it links foolish agency and harmful consequences through vivid simile.
- Proverbs 13:20 (thematic): 'Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm'—shares the theme that association with or reliance on fools brings damage to oneself.
- Proverbs 1:10-15 (thematic): Warning against joining with wicked/foolish companions whose schemes lead to mutual harm; echoes v.6's concern that entrusting matters to fools results in injury to the sender.
Alternative generated candidates
- To send a message by the hand of a fool is like cutting off one's feet; it is like drinking violence.
- Violence comes from the ends of the feet; to entrust a message to the hand of a fool brings ruin upon oneself.
Pro.26.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דליו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- שקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מפסח: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- ומשל: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בפי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- כסילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:2 (verbal): Contrasts wise speech with foolish speech—'the tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours out folly,' echoing the idea that proverbs in a fool's mouth are empty or misplaced.
- Proverbs 17:28 (thematic): Observes that silence can make a fool appear wise ('Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise'), relating to the theme that a proverb loses value when uttered by a fool.
- Proverbs 26:9 (structural): Uses a similar simile pattern in the same chapter to illustrate mismatch—'like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a parable in the mouth of fools'—paralleling the image of useless or harmful speech by fools.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12 (thematic): Contrasts the outcomes of wise versus foolish speech ('The words of the wise are gracious... the mouth of fools will consume them'), underscoring the idea that foolish utterance renders good sayings ineffective or damaging.
Alternative generated candidates
- Like the legs of the lame that hang useless are proverbs in the mouth of fools.
- Leaky buckets and torn sacks—so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Pro.26.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כצרור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- במרגמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- נותן: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- לכסיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:7 (verbal): Neighboring proverb using a parallel simile to show the uselessness of a proverb in the mouth of a fool—both verses pair a vivid image with the folly of giving weight to a fool.
- Ecclesiastes 10:1 (thematic): States that a little folly can outweigh wisdom and honor; thematically parallels the idea that honoring a fool is destructive or devaluing.
- Proverbs 25:6–7 (thematic): Warnings about taking or seeking honor in the wrong place; relates to the prudence (or lack thereof) in bestowing status and the consequences of misapplied honor.
- Matthew 7:6 (thematic): Jesus' admonition not to give what is holy to dogs or cast pearls before swine echoes the theme of not giving valuable things (honor, trust) to those who are unworthy or will misuse them.
- 1 Samuel 17:49–50 (allusion): Literal use of a stone and sling in David's victory; the shared image highlights the force and danger of a stone in a sling, which Proverbs repurposes metaphorically to describe the peril of honoring a fool.
Alternative generated candidates
- Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
- Like a bag of stones in a sling is giving honor to a fool.
Pro.26.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שכור: ADJ,m,sg
- ומשל: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בפי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- כסילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:7 (verbal): Uses the same simile of a proverb in the mouth of fools (a proverbial image of a proverb wasted or ineffective when spoken by fools).
- Proverbs 23:9 (thematic): Warns against speaking to a fool because he will despise wisdom—connects to the idea that proverbs are ineffective or misused by fools.
- Proverbs 15:14 (verbal): Speaks of the 'mouth of a fool' feeding on folly, a closely related verbal motif about fools and worthless speech.
- Ecclesiastes 10:1 (thematic): States that a little folly can spoil much wisdom/honor (a small element of folly contaminates wisdom), paralleling the image of proverbs rendered futile by fools.
- Proverbs 26:4–5 (structural): Neighboring sayings about how (or whether) to answer a fool illustrate the chapter's broader treatment of foolish speech and the difficulty of using wisdom with fools.
Alternative generated candidates
- Like a thorn that stabs the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
- Like a thorn that sticks in the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Pro.26.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- מחולל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- ושכר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושכר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.26:8 (structural): Part of the same series of similes about folly—this verse also uses a concrete, injurious image (binding a stone to a slinger’s hand) to illustrate the uselessness/danger of a proverb in the mouth of a fool, echoing the simile format of 26:10.
- Prov.26:9 (structural): Another neighboring simile comparing a proverb in the mouth of a fool to a thorn in the hand of a drunkard; parallels 26:10 in its use of vivid simile to portray the harm of folly.
- Prov.26:11 (thematic): Continues the chapter’s portrayals of repeated foolish behavior with a striking simile (a dog returning to vomit); thematically related to 26:10’s depiction of the destructive consequences of folly/reckless action.
- Eccles.10:1 (thematic): Expresses the idea that a little folly can spoil effective work (dead flies ruin perfumer’s ointment), thematically paralleling 26:10’s point that entrusting work to a fool is like an archer striking erratically—damaging the enterprise.
Alternative generated candidates
- Many are those who make a commotion; the wages of a fool and the wages of transgressors come to the same end.
- Many are the doers of violence; the wages of a fool and the reward of the transgressor are ruin.
Pro.26.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ככלב: PREP
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- קאו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שונה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- באולתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Peter 2:22 (quotation): Directly cites the proverb (“A dog returns to its own vomit”) and pairs it with a second image (a washed sow returning to the mire) to illustrate relapse into former sins.
- Luke 11:24-26 (thematic): Jesus’ parable of a demon returning to an emptied house (bringing seven others) uses the theme of relapse—returning to a worse former state—similar to the proverb’s image of recurring folly.
- Judges 2:19 (thematic): Narrates Israel’s pattern of deliverance followed by a rapid return to idolatry after the death of a judge—an historic example of repeating former wrongdoing akin to the proverb’s cycle of relapse.
- Proverbs 1:24-31 (thematic): Wisdom’s lament over those who reject instruction and persist in their ways parallels the moral point of Prov 26:11: fools refuse correction and repeat destructive behavior.
Alternative generated candidates
- As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
- As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
Pro.26.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- תקוה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לכסיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 5:21 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel—Isaiah condemns those 'wise in their own eyes,' echoing Proverbs' rebuke of self-deceptive wisdom.
- Proverbs 28:26 (thematic): Same theme of self-reliance as folly: trusting one's own heart/being 'wise in one's own eyes' contrasted with true wisdom and safety.
- 1 Corinthians 3:18 (allusion): New Testament admonition: whoever thinks himself wise in this age should become a fool—echoes the warning against self-assured 'wisdom' in Proverbs.
- Luke 18:9-14 (thematic): Parable of the Pharisee shows self-righteousness and self-approval (confidence in one's own standing) contrasted with the humble—paralleling the lack of hope for one wise in his own eyes.
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 (thematic): Warning against boasting in wisdom, might, or riches—cautions like Proverbs against placing confidence in one's own understanding rather than in God.
Alternative generated candidates
- If you see a man wise in his own eyes, there is more hope for a fool than for him.
- Have you seen a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Pro.26.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עצל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בין: PREP
- הרחבות: NOUN,f,pl,def
Parallels
- Prov.22.13 (verbal): Nearly identical saying — the sluggard invents a lion in the road as an excuse for not going out (verbal parallel and direct repetition of the motif).
- Prov.26.14 (structural): Same chapter’s treatment of the sluggard: uses imagery of habitual inactivity (turning on a hinge/bed) to portray stubborn laziness—continuation of the chapter’s catalogue of slothful behaviors.
- Prov.26.15 (thematic): Another proverb in the same sequence criticizing the sluggard (too lazy even to lift his hand from the dish) — shares the theme of invented or exaggerated reasons for inaction and extreme lethargy.
- Prov.26.16 (thematic): Follows the same satirical unit about the sluggard, depicting self-conceit and unwillingness to work; thematically linked as part of Proverbs’ sustained critique of laziness and excuses.
- Eccles.10.18 (thematic): ‘Through sloth the rafters sag’—a wisdom-text parallel that links sloth to tangible harm and neglect, echoing Proverbs’ moral concern about laziness and its consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion stalks the streets!”
- The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the streets!”
Pro.26.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הדלת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תסוב: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- על: PREP
- צירה: NOUN,f,sg,poss3fs
- ועצל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- מטתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:15 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter contrasting the door/hinges image with another proverb about the sluggard remaining on his bed—repeating the motif of immobility and inaction.
- Proverbs 6:9-11 (thematic): Direct exhortation against lying long in bed and sleeping; warns that continued sloth leads to scarcity—same moral theme of the lazy person's refusal to rise and its consequences.
- Proverbs 24:30-34 (thematic): Description of a field neglected because the owner sleeps and is idle; uses the motif of prolonged sleep and neglect to illustrate the cost of laziness, echoing the image of a sluggard on his bed.
- Proverbs 20:4 (thematic): States that the sluggard does not plow in season and therefore lacks at harvest—another proverb linking inactivity (failure to work) with negative outcome, paralleling the laziness pictured in Prov 26:14.
- Ecclesiastes 10:18 (thematic): Speaks of slackness and sloth causing a house to fall into disrepair—similar consequence-driven imagery connecting laziness (inactivity) with deterioration and dysfunction, resonant with the hinge-door/sluggard contrast.
Alternative generated candidates
- As the door turns on its hinge, so the sluggard turns upon his bed.
- As the door turns on its hinges, so the lazy man turns upon his bed.
Pro.26.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טמן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עצל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בצלחת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נלאה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- להשיבה: PRT+VERB,hiph,inf+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- פיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 19:24 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and image: the sluggard hides/buries his hand and is unwilling to bring it back to his mouth — a close verbal parallel.
- Proverbs 26:14 (thematic): Same chapter’s portrayal of the sluggard (turning on his bed like a door on hinges) emphasizes inertness and unwillingness to act, thematically linked to 26:15.
- Proverbs 6:6-11 (thematic): Contrasting instruction to learn diligence from the ant and warning that laziness leads to want and shame—a thematic counterpoint to the sluggard image in 26:15.
- Proverbs 20:4 (thematic): Depicts the sluggard who will not plow and therefore begs at harvest—another proverb highlighting the consequences of laziness comparable to 26:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sluggard thrusts his hand into the dish; he is weary to bring it back to his mouth.
- The sluggard thrusts his hand into the dish; he is weary to bring it back to his mouth.
Pro.26.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- עצל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- משבעה: PREP+NUM,card,sg,m
- משיבי: VERB,qal,ptc,mp
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.26:12 (verbal): Uses the same motif of a person 'wise in his own eyes' and contrasts self‑conceit with true wisdom; closely parallels the theme and language.
- Prov.12:15 (verbal): The fool who thinks his way is right in his own eyes contrasts with one who accepts counsel—echoes the idea of self‑assuredness versus responsiveness to wise answers.
- Prov.3:7 (structural): An injunction against being 'wise in your own eyes' (do not be wise in your own sight); provides the proverb’s ethical opposite and instructive context.
- Prov.28:26 (thematic): Warns that trusting one’s own heart is folly and contrasts self‑reliance with the prudence of the wise—thematically related to the sluggard’s misplaced confidence in his own wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- A sluggard who is wise in his own eyes is wiser in his own estimation than seven who can give a discreet answer.
- The sluggard deems himself wiser than seven men who give a sensible answer.
Pro.26.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מחזיק: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- כלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתעבר: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.20.3 (verbal): Explicitly contrasts honor in ceasing from strife with the fool who 'meddles' — directly echoes the warning against interfering in quarrels that are not yours.
- Prov.17.14 (thematic): Advises abandoning a budding quarrel before it escalates; thematically close in counsel to avoiding involvement in disputes.
- Prov.26.21 (thematic): Compares a contentious person to fire that kindles strife; parallels the image of someone who provokes or fuels quarrels (like grabbing a dog by the ears).
- Prov.26.20 (thematic): Says that without wood the fire goes out, so without a talebearer contention ceases — connects to the idea that meddling/tale-bearing sustains disputes.
- Prov.25.8 (thematic): Warns against hastily entering litigation or taking another's quarrel upon oneself; offers similar practical advice to avoid entanglement in others' disputes.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who seizes a dog by the ears who meddles in a quarrel not his own will be like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
- He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who seizes a dog by the ears.
Pro.26.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כמתלהלה: PREP+VERB,hitpael,ptcp,NA,f,sg
- הירה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- זקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומות: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:19 (structural): Immediate continuation of the simile — links the image of one who casts firebrands and arrows to the danger of entrusting a message to a fool; same scene and theme of destructive action/speech.
- Proverbs 25:18 (verbal): Uses the image of a sharp arrow to describe the harm of false testimony/words; parallels the use of weapon imagery to portray speech as injurious.
- James 3:5-6 (thematic): Compares the tongue to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze, using fire as a metaphor for the destructive power of speech, echoing Prov.26:18’s fire imagery.
- Jeremiah 23:29 (thematic): God’s word is likened to fire (and a hammer) that consumes and breaks — parallels the motif of fire as an agent of destructive force conveyed by words/actions.
Alternative generated candidates
- Like a madman who hurls firebrands, arrows, and death—
- Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
Pro.26.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כן: ADV
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ה: PART
- לא: PART_NEG
- משחק: VERB,qal,ptcp,NA,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Prov.26:18 (structural): Directly paired with 26:19 in Hebrew; both verses form a unit comparing reckless provocation and deceptive speech that is dismissed as 'only joking.'
- Prov.26:28 (thematic): Warns of the harm caused by a lying tongue; thematically connected in condemning deceptive speech that damages relationships.
- Prov.12:18 (thematic): Speaks of rash/reckless words doing great harm like a sword—parallel concern with speech that wounds even when offered as jest.
- Matt.12:36-37 (thematic): Jesus teaches that people will give account for every idle word, countering the idea that harmful words can be dismissed as mere joking.
- James 3:5-6 (thematic): Compares the tongue to a small fire that sets a great forest ablaze—illustrates how apparently small or joking words can cause serious damage.
Alternative generated candidates
- so is the man who deceives his neighbor and then says, “Was I not only jesting?”
- so is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Was I not only joking?”
Pro.26.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באפס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תכבה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובאין: CONJ+PREP
- נרגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישתק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.26.21 (verbal): Directly parallel imagery—26:20 speaks of no wood quenching a fire and no talebearer ending strife; 26:21 presents the converse: wood/embers and a contentious person kindle quarrels.
- Prov.26.22 (verbal): Describes the words of a talebearer as tempting morsels that spread inwardly—explains how a talebearer supplies the 'fuel' for dissension mentioned in 26:20.
- Prov.16:28 (thematic): ‘A perverse person stirs up conflict; a gossip separates close friends’—same theme that a slanderer/talebearer is the cause or fuel of quarrels.
- Prov.18:8 (thematic): ‘The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels’—another proverb linking whispering/gossiping speech to the spread and nourishment of discord, paralleling the talebearer/fire motif.
- James 3:5-6 (thematic): The tongue is compared to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze—New Testament echo of the proverb’s image that a small source (talebearer/words) can ignite widespread strife.
Alternative generated candidates
- Where there is no wood the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife subsides.
- Where there is no wood the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
Pro.26.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לגחלים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועצים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדינים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לחרחר: PREP+VERB,piel,inf
- ריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:20 (structural): Uses the same wood/fire imagery to make the related point that without combustible material (or a talebearer) strife dies out — immediate structural parallel and contrast.
- Proverbs 26:18-19 (verbal): Employs closely related violent imagery of throwing firebrands and causing harm to describe one who provokes or deceives, echoing the motif of a person who kindles trouble.
- James 3:5-6 (thematic): Compares the tongue to a small spark that can set a great forest ablaze, thematically paralleling the idea that a quarrelsome person kindles widespread strife.
- Proverbs 15:18 (thematic): States that a hot-tempered person stirs up strife while the patient quiets contention, a direct thematic match about temperament as the cause of quarrels.
- Proverbs 29:22 (thematic): Says an angry man stirs up strife and a hot-tempered one multiplies transgression, reinforcing the proverb’s link between anger/contentiousness and the outbreak of conflict.
Alternative generated candidates
- As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
- Coal to burning coals and wood to fire—so is a quarrelsome man to provoke strife.
Pro.26.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- נרגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כמתלהמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- ירדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- חדרי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בטן: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Proverbs 18:8 (verbal): Nearly identical wording: the talebearer’s words are described as wounds that reach the inner parts — a direct verbal parallel to Prov 26:22.
- Proverbs 16:28 (thematic): Speaks of a perverse person who spreads strife and a whisperer who separates close friends — thematically linked by the harmful, divisive effect of whispering/tale-bearing.
- Proverbs 20:19 (thematic): Warns against associating with a talebearer who reveals secrets; connects to Prov 26:22’s concern about corrosive speech and its inward damage.
- Psalm 41:7 (thematic): Describes enemies whispering together and devising harm, echoing the image of covert speech causing hurt and plotting against someone.
- 2 Corinthians 12:20 (thematic): Paul lists 'whisperings' among divisive behaviors he fears will be found in the church — a New Testament parallel highlighting the destructive social impact of secretive, slanderous talk.
Alternative generated candidates
- The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they sink deep into the inward parts.
- The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the belly.
Pro.26.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סיגים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מצפה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- חרש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- דלקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,const
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 12:2-3 (verbal): Speaks of 'flattering lips' and a 'double heart,' using language very similar to the proverb's contrast between pleasant speech and inner deceit.
- Psalm 55:21 (thematic): Speaks of speech 'smoother than butter' while there is 'war in his heart'—the same theme of suave words concealing malicious intent.
- Proverbs 26:24-26 (structural): Immediate context that continues and develops the same imagery: dissembling lips, hidden deceit, and flattering speech that conceals malice.
- Matthew 15:8 (Isaiah 29:13) (quotation): Jesus (quoting Isaiah) condemns honoring God with lips while the heart is far away—an explicit New Testament parallel to outward speech masking inner corruption.
- Matthew 23:27-28 (thematic): Jesus' rebuke of hypocrites—'whitewashed tombs'—matches the proverb's contrast between attractive outward appearance (or speech) and an evil inner state.
Alternative generated candidates
- Fair speech with a wicked heart is like silver plated on a clay vessel.
- An ornament of silver on an earthen vessel—smooth lips and a burning heart.
Pro.26.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בשפתיו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,suff
- ינכר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שונא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובקרבו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מרמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.26.25 (structural): Immediate context/continuation: warns not to trust flattering speech because the speaker harbors multiple abominations in his heart—same motif of pleasant lips masking inward deceit.
- Prov.26.23 (verbal): Very similar phrasing and image: 'hot lips' or 'pleasant lips' covering an evil heart—explicitly links agreeable speech with corrupt inner motives.
- Jer.9.8 (verbal): Speaks of a deceitful tongue that speaks peace while inwardly devising ensnaring/deceitful plans—parallels the contrast between outward words and inward malice.
- Isa.29.13 (quotation): Condemns lip service where the heart is far from God ('honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me')—used by Jesus to expose hypocrisy, echoing the dissonance of mouth versus heart.
- Matt.7.15 (thematic): Jesus warns against false prophets who appear benign outwardly but are inwardly ravenous wolves—the same theme of deceptive outward speech hiding malicious intent.
Alternative generated candidates
- One who hates conceals it with his lips, but he lays up deceit within him.
- He who hates conceals it with his lips, but he lays up deceit in his inward parts.
Pro.26.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- יחנן: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- קולו: NOUN,m,sg,poss3ms
- אל: NEG
- תאמן: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שבע: NUM,card
- תועבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בלבו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:24 (verbal): Immediate context: describes hatred concealed by flattering lips and stored deceit—directly parallels the warning not to trust fair speech because of evil in the heart.
- Proverbs 27:6 (thematic): Contrasts faithful wounds with the 'kisses of an enemy'—uses the same motif that friendly/affectionate words can conceal hostility or ill intent.
- Psalm 12:2-3 (verbal): Speaks of flattering lips and a double heart; close verbal and thematic echo about deceitful speech that hides treachery.
- Proverbs 6:12-14 (thematic): Portrays a crafty, wicked person whose mouth and heart devise mischief—similar link between corrupt inner intent and deceitful outward speech.
- Psalm 5:9 (verbal): Denounces those who flatter with their tongue and lack faithfulness in speech—directly parallels the warning against trusting flattering words because of corrupt inner motives.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he flatters with his mouth do not believe him, for seven abominations are in his heart.
- When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
Pro.26.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תכסה: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- שנאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- במשאון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תגלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- רעתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+prs3ms
- בקהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.10:18 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: 'Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips' echoes 'he covers hatred with deceitful lips'—both link hidden hatred to deceptive speech.
- Prov.26:28 (thematic): Same chapter picks up the theme: a flattering mouth and lying tongue cause ruin—connects deceitful, flattering speech with hostile intent and damage.
- Ps.12:2-3 (verbal): Speaks of flattering lips and a double heart; parallels the motif of duplicity—kind words masking a deceitful or hostile inner disposition.
- Luke 12:2-3 (thematic): Jesus' teaching that nothing concealed will remain hidden echoes the proverb's assurance that concealed hatred/wickedness will be disclosed publicly.
Alternative generated candidates
- Though he covers his hatred with guile, his wickedness will be disclosed in the assembly.
- Though he cover his hatred with deceit, his wickedness will be disclosed before the assembly.
Pro.26.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שחת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- יפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וגלל: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptcp,ms,sg
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- תשוב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 10:8 (verbal): Nearly identical proverb: "He who digs a pit will fall into it"—the same imagery of one’s scheme returning upon oneself.
- Psalm 7:15-16 (verbal): Describes the wicked digging a pit or making a snare for others and then falling into their own device—same cause-and-effect punishment imagery.
- Psalm 35:7 (verbal): Speaks of adversaries digging a pit for the psalmist and themselves falling into it—uses the pit motif to express poetic justice.
- Proverbs 1:18 (thematic): Warns that those who set a trap for others "lay in wait for their own blood," thematically parallel in self-destructive consequences for malicious plots.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; and whoever rolls a stone, it will return upon him.
- Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; whoever rolls a stone, it will return upon him.
Pro.26.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לשון: NOUN,f,sg,constr
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישנא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דכיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ופה: CONJ+ADV,loc
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מדחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:24-26 (structural): Immediate context: contrasts deceitful/hateful speech with flattering words that conceal malice; verse 28 completes this cluster on duplicitous tongue and its destructive aim.
- Proverbs 29:5 (thematic): Speaks of flattering speech as a trap—parallels the idea that a flattering mouth brings ruin or ensnares its victims.
- Proverbs 27:6 (thematic): Contrasts faithful wounds with abundant kisses of an enemy; thematically related to the contrast between honest/harmful speech and deceitful flattery that harms.
- Psalm 12:2 (verbal): Complains of flattering lips and a double heart—language and theme (flattery and duplicity) echo Proverbs' depiction of destructive flattering speech.
- Psalm 120:2 (verbal): Petition to be delivered from lying lips and a deceitful tongue; directly parallels the condemnation of the lying/deceitful tongue in Proverbs 26:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth brings ruin.
- A lying tongue hates those it wounds, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Like snow in summer, like rain at harvest—so honor is not fitting for a fool.
As a wandering bird, as a flying swallow—so a curse without cause will not alight.
A whip for a horse, a bit for a donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you become like him yourself.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and brings harm upon himself.
Like the legs of the lame that hang useless, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Like a stone tied in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
Like a thorn that pierces the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
It brings disaster to hire a fool; the payment given to a fool is like the pay of wrongdoers.
Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
Have you seen a person wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!"
As the door turns on its hinges, so the sluggard on his bed.
The sluggard puts his hand into the dish; he is too weary to bring it back to his mouth.
A sluggard deems himself wiser than seven who give a sensible answer.
One who seizes a dog's ears, passing by, is like one who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Like one who shoots flaming arrows and deadly shafts—so is a man who devises mischief. So is he who deceives his neighbor and says, "Was I not only jesting?"
Where there is no wood the fire goes out; and where there is no troublemaker, the quarrel subsides.
Coal for hot embers and wood for a fire—so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
The words of a whisperer are like delicacies; they sink into the inner parts of the body.
An ornament of silver and gold upon a clay vessel—so are smooth lips and an evil heart.
He who hates conceals it with his lips; he stores up deceit within him.
When he flatters with his voice, do not believe him, for seven abominations are in his heart.
He hides hatred with guile, yet his wickedness will be revealed in the assembly.
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; whoever rolls a stone—onto him it will return.
A lying tongue stirs up hatred, and flattering lips work ruin.