CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/26-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/20_Pro_26_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 26:11 - Similitudes and Instructions" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/26-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/26-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm" title="Proverbs 26:10">◄</a> Proverbs 26:11 <a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm" title="Proverbs 26:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As a dog returneth to his vomit, <i>so</i> a fool returneth to his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />As a dog returns to his own vomit, <i>So</i> a fool repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to its vomit, So is a fool who repeats his foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to his vomit Is a fool who repeats his foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so also a fool repeats his foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Dogs return to eat their vomit, just as fools repeat their foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is a fool that repeateth his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />As a dog goes back to its vomit, [so] a fool repeats his stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A fool doing some stupid thing a second time is like a dog going back to its vomit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A dog that returns to its vomit is like a fool who reverts to his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As a dog has returned to its vomit, "" A fool is repeating his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As a dog hath returned to its vomit, A fool is repeating his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As a dog turned back upon his vomit, the foolish one repeated in his folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is the fool that repeateth his folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to his vomit, so also is the imprudent who repeats his foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As dogs return to their vomit, so fools repeat their folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who reverts to his folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool that misbehaves in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so is a fool that is insane in his foolishness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, so is fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin. <i><i>There is a shame that brings sin: and there is a shame <i>that is</i> glory and grace.</i></i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5352" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Similitudes and Instructions</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: kə·ḵe·leḇ (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">As a dog</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šāḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returns</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6892.htm" title="6892: qê·’ōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- What is vomited up, vomit. Or qiys; from qow'; vomit.">its vomit,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: kə·sîl (N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">so a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/8138.htm" title="8138: šō·w·neh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To repeat, do again. A primitive root; to fold, i.e. Duplicate; by implication, to transmute.">repeats</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: ḇə·’iw·wal·tōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">his folly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">2 Peter 2:22</a></span><br />Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43-45</a></span><br />When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. / Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. / Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Luke 11:24-26</a></span><br />When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ / On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. / Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a></span><br />It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-27</a></span><br />If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Philippians 3:18-19</a></span><br />For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Galatians 4:9</a></span><br />But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Romans 6:21</a></span><br />What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33-34</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” / Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23-24</a></span><br />For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-14.htm">Isaiah 19:14</a></span><br />The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/13-23.htm">Jeremiah 13:23</a></span><br />Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good—you who are accustomed to doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-17.htm">Psalm 107:17</a></span><br />Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/85-8.htm">Psalm 85:8</a></span><br />I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.</p><p class="hdg">a dog</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Exodus 8:15</a></b></br> But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Matthew 12:45</a></b></br> Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last <i>state</i> of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">2 Peter 2:22</a></b></br> But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog <i>is</i> turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.</p><p class="hdg">returneth to his folly </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Able</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Repeateth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Repeating</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Repeats</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Returns</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Vomit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Able</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-8.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-22.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Repeateth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-2.htm">Repeating</a> <a href="/judges/5-29.htm">Repeats</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Returns</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-14.htm">Vomit</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">observations about fools</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">about sluggards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">and about contentious busybodies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As a dog returns to its vomit</b><br>This phrase uses a vivid and somewhat shocking image to convey a deep truth about human behavior. In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were not the beloved pets they are today; they were often seen as unclean scavengers. This imagery is used to illustrate the repulsive nature of returning to one's sinful or foolish ways. The act of a dog returning to its vomit is a natural, albeit disgusting, behavior, symbolizing the natural inclination of a fool to revert to their previous mistakes. This concept is echoed in <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">2 Peter 2:22</a>, where the apostle Peter uses the same imagery to describe false teachers who return to their corrupt ways after knowing the truth. The repetition of folly is likened to a natural, albeit undesirable, instinct.<p><b>so a fool repeats his folly</b><br>The term "fool" in the biblical context often refers to someone who is morally deficient, lacking wisdom and understanding of God's ways. The repetition of folly indicates a cycle of behavior that is difficult to break without divine intervention. This reflects the biblical theme of human depravity and the need for repentance and transformation through God's wisdom. Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, emphasizing that wisdom leads to life and folly to destruction. The fool's inability to learn from past mistakes is a warning to seek wisdom and understanding, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, which states that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." This phrase serves as a call to self-examination and the pursuit of wisdom to avoid the destructive cycle of folly.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and instruction, often characterized by repetitive, unwise behavior.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/dog.htm">Dog</a></b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were not the beloved pets they are today but were often seen as scavengers. The imagery of a dog returning to its vomit is used to illustrate the repulsive nature of repeating foolish actions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/folly.htm">Folly</a></b><br>This term refers to a lack of good sense or judgment, often leading to repeated mistakes or sinful behavior.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_folly.htm">The Nature of Folly</a></b><br>Folly is not just a one-time mistake but a pattern of behavior that reflects a deeper rejection of wisdom and instruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a></b><br>True repentance involves turning away from sin and folly, not returning to it. This requires humility and a willingness to change.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom.htm">The Role of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom acts as a guide to prevent us from repeating past mistakes. Seeking wisdom through prayer, scripture, and godly counsel is essential.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_repeated_sin.htm">The Consequences of Repeated Sin</a></b><br>Just as a dog returning to its vomit is a vivid and unpleasant image, so are the consequences of returning to sin. It leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_spiritual_growth.htm">The Call to Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Believers are called to grow in their faith, moving beyond past sins and follies to maturity in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_26_11_clash_with_compassion.htm">Proverbs 26:11: Does comparing a fool to a dog returning to its vomit present a historical or cultural context that might clash with more compassionate teachings elsewhere? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'a_dog_returns_to_its_vomit'.htm">What does "a dog returns to its vomit" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_a_washed_sow_return_to_the_mire.htm">Does a washed sow return to the mire?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_26_on_fools.htm">Proverbs 26 (overall): How do we reconcile the repeated harshness toward “fools” with biblical themes of mercy, forgiveness, and understanding?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">So a fool returneth to his folly.--</span>Though he knows it to be folly, and ruinous to him: but vice has become to him a second nature, and he cannot, even if he would, escape from it. This is especially true of those who have given way to drink or impurity of life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As the dog returneth to his vomit</span> (see <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">2 Peter 2:22</a>, which, however, is not quoted from the Septuagint), <span class="cmt_word">so a fool returneth to his folly;</span> or, <span class="accented">repeateth his folly</span>. The fool never frees himself from the trammels of his foolishness; his deeds and words always bear the same character to the end. The same truth holds good of the sinner, especially the drunkard and the sensualist. If they feel temporary compunction, and reject their sin by partial repentance, they do not really shake it off wholly; it has become a second nature to them, and they soon relapse into it. Septuagint, "As when a dog goes to his own vomit and becomes hateful, so is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin." The LXX. adds a distich which is found in Ecclus. 4:21, "There is a shame that bringeth sin, and there is a shame that is glory and grace." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As a dog</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֭כֶלֶב</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḵe·leḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, a male prostitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">returns</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(šāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its vomit,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֵא֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(qê·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6892.htm">Strong's 6892: </a> </span><span class="str2">What is vomited up, vomit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֝סִ֗יל</span> <span class="translit">(kə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">repeats</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁוֹנֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(šō·w·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8138.htm">Strong's 8138: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fold, duplicate, to transmute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his folly.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְאִוַּלְתּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·’iw·wal·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:11 As a dog that returns to his (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>