Proverbs 26:8–10

PROVERBS 26

Warnings against Dishonorable Conduct.

V. 8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, as we might say, as one who plays with a loaded gun, so is he that giveth honor to a fool, for no fool is more dangerous than he who finds himself in a position of honor and authority.

V. 9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, a branch of a thorn-bush in the hands of such a person being a dangerous weapon, since one never knows who will be injured in the inebriate’s uncertain striking, so is a parable in the mouth of fools, he works more harm than profit with his wrong applications.

V. 10. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool and rewardeth transgressors, rather, literally, “Much produceth all, and both the reward and the rewarder of the fool pass away,” that is, diligence brings reward, but folly brings destruction.