Proverbs 26:1–3

PROVERBS 26

Warnings against Dishonorable Conduct.

CONCERNING FOOLS AND SLUGGARDS. — V. 1. As snow in summer and as rain in harvest, either possibility being suggested as something altogether unfitting, not to be expected, so honor is not seemly for a fool, it is not proper that he should have it, he is altogether unworthy of it.

V. 2. As the bird by wandering, the sparrow flitting along, as the swallow by flying, the aimlessness of their ordinary flight being the point of comparison, so the curse causeless shall not come, that is, if it is undeserved, it will not be fulfilled, and the person against whom it is directed has no cause for worry.

V. 3. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, both being necessary in the case of irrational brutes in order to keep them under control, and a rod for the fool’s back, for only by force can he be directed in the proper way.