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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="../">CSB</a> > Proverbs 26</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></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="../menu.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="../proverbs/25.htm" title="Proverbs 25">◄</a> Proverbs 26 <a href="../proverbs/27.htm" title="Proverbs 27">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top">Christian Standard Bible</td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/p/csb/esv/proverbs/26.shtml" style="color:#001320" title="Parallel Verses"> Par ▾ </a></tr></table></div><section epub:type="chapter" id="csb-Proverbs.26" /><blockquote class="poetryblock"><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.1" /><A name="2"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm"><b>1</b></a></span>Like snow in summer and rain at harvest,<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.1.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">honor is inappropriate for a fool.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.1.2"><span class="xrfAlphabet">b</span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote class="poetryblock"><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.2" /> <A name="3"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm"><b>2</b></a></span>Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow,<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.2.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">an undeserved curse goes nowhere.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.2.2"><span class="xrfAlphabet">b</span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote class="poetryblock"><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.3" /> <A name="4"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.3.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">and a rod for the backs of fools.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.3.2"><span class="xrfAlphabet">b</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.4" /> <A name="5"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.4.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">or you’ll be like him yourself.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.5" /> <A name="6"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>Answer a fool according to his foolishness<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.5.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.5.2"><span class="xrfAlphabet">b</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.6" /> <A name="7"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>The one who sends a message by a fool’s hand<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.6.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.6.2"><span class="xrfAlphabet">b</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.7" /> <A name="8"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>A proverb in the mouth of a fool</p><p class="poem">is like lame legs that hang limp.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.8" /> <A name="9"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Giving honor to a fool</p><p class="poem">is like binding a stone in a sling.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.9" /> <A name="10"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>A proverb in the mouth of a fool</p><p class="poem">is like a stick with thorns,</p><p class="poem">brandished by<a epub:type="noteref" href="#fn.Proverbs.26.9.1"><span class="fnAlphabet">A</span></a> the hand of a drunkard.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.10" /> <A name="11"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>The one who hires a fool or who hires those passing by</p><p class="poem">is like an archer who wounds everyone indiscriminately.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.11" /> <A name="12"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>As a dog returns to its vomit,</p><p class="poem">so also a fool repeats his foolishness.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.11.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.12" /> <A name="13"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm"><b>12</b></a></span>Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes?<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.12.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">There is more hope for a fool than for him.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.12.2"><span class="xrfAlphabet">b</span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote class="poetryblock"><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.13" /> <A name="14"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm"><b>13</b></a></span>The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road —</p><p class="poem">a lion in the public square! ”<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.13.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.14" /> <A name="15"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span>A door turns on its hinges,</p><p class="poem">and a slacker, on his bed.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.14.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.15" /> <A name="16"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-15.htm"><b>15</b></a></span>The slacker buries his hand in the bowl;</p><p class="poem">he is too weary to bring it to his mouth!<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.15.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.16" /> <A name="17"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.16.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem">than seven who can answer sensibly.</p></blockquote><blockquote class="poetryblock"><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.17" /> <A name="18"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his</p><p class="poem">is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.18" /> <A name="19"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.18.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.19" /> <A name="20"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-19.htm"><b>19</b></a></span>so is the person who deceives his neighbor</p><p class="poem">and says, “I was only joking! ”</p></blockquote><blockquote class="poetryblock"><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.20" /> <A name="21"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm"><b>20</b></a></span>Without wood, fire goes out;</p><p class="poem">without a gossip, conflict dies down.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.20.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.21" /> <A name="22"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm"><b>21</b></a></span>As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,</p><p class="poem">so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.21.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.22" /> <A name="23"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm"><b>22</b></a></span>A gossip’s words are like choice food</p><p class="poem">that goes down to one’s innermost being.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#fn.Proverbs.26.22.1"><span class="fnAlphabet">a</span></a> <a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.22.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote class="poetryblock"><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.23" /> <A name="24"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm"><b>23</b></a></span>Smooth<a epub:type="noteref" href="#fn.Proverbs.26.23.1"><span class="fnAlphabet">A</span></a> lips with an evil heart</p><p class="poem">are like glaze on an earthen vessel.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.23.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.24" /> <A name="25"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm"><b>24</b></a></span>A hateful person disguises himself with his speech</p><p class="poem">and harbors deceit within.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.25" /> <A name="26"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-25.htm"><b>25</b></a></span>When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him,</p><p class="poem">for there are seven detestable things in his heart.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.25.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.26" /> <A name="27"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm"><b>26</b></a></span>Though his hatred is concealed by deception,</p><p class="poem">his evil will be revealed in the assembly.</p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.27" /> <A name="28"></a><span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm"><b>27</b></a></span>The one who digs a pit will fall into it,</p><p class="poem">and whoever rolls a stone —</p><p class="poem">it will come back on him.<a epub:type="noteref" href="#xrf.Proverbs.26.27.1"><span class="xrfAlphabet">a</span></a></p><p class="poem"><span epub:type="z3998:verse" id="start-Proverbs.26.28" /> <span class="reftext"><a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm"><b>28</b></a></span>A lying tongue hates those it crushes,</p><p class="poem">and a flattering mouth causes ruin.</p></blockquote><br /><section id="footnotes-Proverbs.26" class="fnSection"><aside id="fn.Proverbs.26.9.1"><span class="footnote-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.9">26:9</a></span> Lit <span class="italic">thorn that goes up into</span></aside><aside id="fn.Proverbs.26.22.1"><span class="footnote-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.22">26:22</a></span> Lit <span class="italic">to the chambers of the belly</span></aside><aside id="fn.Proverbs.26.23.1"><span class="footnote-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.23">26:23</a></span> LXX; MT reads <span class="italic">Burning</span></aside><br /><section id="cross-references-Proverbs.26" class="xrfSection"><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.1.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.1">26:1</a></span> 1Sm 12:17</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.1.2"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.1">26:1</a></span> Pr 17:7; 19:10</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.2.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.2">26:2</a></span> Pr 27:8</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.2.2"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.2">26:2</a></span> Nm 23:8; Dt 23:5; 2Sm 16:12</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.3.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.3">26:3</a></span> Ps 32:9</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.3.2"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.3">26:3</a></span> Pr 10:13; 19:29</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.4.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.4">26:4</a></span> Pr 23:9; 29:9; Mt 7:6; Lk 23:9</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.5.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.5">26:5</a></span> Mt 16:1–4; 21:24–27</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.5.2"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.5">26:5</a></span> Pr 26:12; 28:11; Rm 12:16</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.6.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.6">26:6</a></span> Pr 10:26; 25:13</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.6.2"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.6">26:6</a></span> Pr 13:2</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.11.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.11">26:11</a></span> 2Pt 2:22</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.12.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.12">26:12</a></span> Pr 3:7; 26:5; Rm 12:16</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.12.2"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.12">26:12</a></span> Pr 29:20</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.13.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.13">26:13</a></span> Pr 22:13</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.14.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.14">26:14</a></span> Pr 6:9–10; 19:15</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.15.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.15">26:15</a></span> Pr 12:27; 19:24</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.16.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.16">26:16</a></span> Pr 26:5,12; 28:11</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.18.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.18">26:18</a></span> Is 50:11</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.20.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.20">26:20</a></span> Pr 16:28; 22:10</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.21.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.21">26:21</a></span> Pr 15:18</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.22.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.22">26:22</a></span> Pr 18:8</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.23.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.23">26:23</a></span> Mt 23:27; Lk 11:39</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.25.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.25">26:25</a></span> Ps 28:3</aside><aside id="xrf.Proverbs.26.27.1"><span class="cross-reference"><a href="#start-Proverbs.26.27">26:27</a></span> Est 7:10; Jb 4:8; Pr 28:10; Dn 6:24; Mt 26:52</aside><br /><section id="study-notes-Proverbs.26" 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