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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 />Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so <i>is</i> he that giveth honour to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Like one who binds a stone in a sling <i>Is</i> he who gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is one who gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives glory to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like one who [absurdly] binds a stone in a sling [making it impossible to throw], So is he who [absurdly] gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Giving honor to a fool is like binding a stone in a sling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Giving honor to a fool is like binding a stone in a sling. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Are you going to honor a fool? Why not shoot a slingshot with the rock tied tight? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As a bag of gems in a heap of stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Like tying a stone to a sling, so is giving honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Praising someone who is stupid makes as much sense as tying a stone in a sling. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Tying a stone to a sling— that's what giving honor to a fool is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like tying a stone in a sling, so is giving honor to a fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As one who is binding a stone in a sling, "" So [is] he who is giving honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As one who is binding a stone in a sling, So is he who is giving honour to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As a bundle of stones in a heap of stones, so he giving honor to the foolish one.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As he that casteth a stone into the heap of Mercury: so is he that giveth honour to a fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Just like one who casts a stone into the pile of Mercury, so also is he who gives honor to the foolish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Giving honor to a fool is like entangling a stone in the sling. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is like binding a stone in a sling to give honor to a fool.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Like a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Like a stone in a sling, so is he that praises a fool.<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 small stone in a heap of stones, So is he that giveth honour to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that binds up a stone in a sling, is like one that gives glory to a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-8.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=5332" 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">7</span>Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6887.htm" title="6887: kiṣ·rō·wr (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">Like binding</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’e·ḇen (N-fs) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">a stone</a> <a href="/hebrew/4773.htm" title="4773: bə·mar·gê·māh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- A sling. From ragam; a stone-heap.">into a sling</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên- (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">is</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nō·w·ṯên (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">the giving</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: kā·ḇō·wḏ (N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">of honor</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: liḵ·sîl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">to a fool.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.…<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="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></span><br />Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:6-7</a></span><br />Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. / I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a></span><br />His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/luke/12-48.htm">Luke 12:48</a></span><br />But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-5.htm">Isaiah 32:5</a></span><br />No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9</a></span><br />We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-20.htm">Psalm 49:20</a></span><br />A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a></span><br />who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-30.htm">Job 34:30</a></span><br />that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Proverbs 26:1</a></b></br> As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Proverbs 19:10</a></b></br> Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22</a></b></br> For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Attempting</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Bag</a> <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Bindeth</a> <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Binds</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/exodus/35-27.htm">Gems</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-22.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/job/41-28.htm">Sling</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Small</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Stones</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Attempting</a> <a href="/songs/1-13.htm">Bag</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Bindeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Binds</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/exodus/25-7.htm">Gems</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-18.htm">Sling</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-24.htm">Small</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Stones</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>Like binding a stone into a sling</b><br>This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the futility and danger of a particular action. In ancient times, a sling was a weapon used for hurling stones at high speeds, often in battle or hunting. Binding a stone into a sling would render the weapon useless, as the stone would not be able to be released properly. This imagery suggests an action that is counterproductive and potentially harmful. The sling, a simple yet effective tool, is rendered ineffective when improperly used, symbolizing how wisdom and tools can be misapplied. This metaphor can be connected to the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), where David skillfully uses a sling to defeat the giant, highlighting the importance of proper use and wisdom.<p><b>is the giving of honor to a fool</b><br>In biblical terms, a "fool" is often someone who lacks wisdom, moral insight, or reverence for God. Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, emphasizing the consequences of folly. Giving honor to a fool is portrayed as inappropriate and misguided, much like the ineffective sling. Honor, in biblical culture, was a significant social currency, often associated with respect, authority, and influence. Bestowing it upon someone unworthy could lead to chaos and disorder, as fools are likely to misuse their elevated status. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/26.htm">Proverbs 26:1</a>, which compares honoring a fool to snow in summer or rain in harvest—unnatural and disruptive. The New Testament also warns against elevating the unworthy, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">1 Timothy 5:22</a>, which advises against hastily laying hands on someone, implying the importance of discernment in conferring honor or responsibility.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as 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 discipline, often characterized by a lack of moral insight and an inclination towards folly.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sling.htm">Sling</a></b><br>An ancient weapon used for hurling stones, often associated with shepherds and warriors. The imagery of a stone bound in a sling suggests futility and danger.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_misplaced_honor.htm">The Danger of Misplaced Honor</a></b><br>Giving honor to a fool is not only futile but can also lead to harm, much like a stone that cannot be released from a sling. It is crucial to discern who is worthy of honor and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_leadership.htm">Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders should be chosen based on wisdom and integrity, not merely on charisma or popularity. Honoring a fool in leadership can lead to disastrous consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>Christians are called to exercise discernment in their relationships and interactions, ensuring that honor and respect are given appropriately.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_folly.htm">Consequences of Folly</a></b><br>The imagery of a bound stone in a sling serves as a warning of the potential consequences of folly. It encourages believers to seek wisdom and avoid foolishness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_personal_actions.htm">Reflecting on Personal Actions</a></b><br>Believers should reflect on their own actions and decisions, ensuring they are not acting foolishly or honoring those who do not deserve it.<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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proverbs_26_4-5__why_aren't_they_contradictory.htm">Proverbs 26:4-5: How can these adjacent verses not be contradictory when they offer opposite instructions on answering fools?</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/does_proverbs_26_7_contradict_other_wisdom.htm">Proverbs 26:7: Does the idea of a proverb in a fool's mouth being 'useless' conflict with other Bible passages that suggest all wisdom is beneficial?</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>(8) <span class= "bld">As he that bindeth a stone in a sling </span>. . .--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the stone is soon gone from the sling and seen no more, so honour and a fool soon part company. This seems on the whole the most probable rendering of this verse.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As he that bindeth a stone in a sling.</span> So Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ὅς ἀποδεσμέυει λίθον</span> <span class="greek">ἐν σφενδόνῃ</span>. This gives a very good sense the point being either that the stone, after being firmly fitted in its place, quickly passes away from the sling, or, if more stress is laid on the word "bindeth," that the stone is so firmly fixed that it cannot be slung, and therefore never reaches the mark. The alternative rendering adopted by the Revised Version is this, "As a bag of gems in a heap of stones;" where the incongruity would consist either in exposing jewels on a cairn, or sepulchral monument, whence they could easily be filched, or in attracting undesirable attention. But there are grammatical and etymological reasons against this interpretation; and the Authorized Version is to be considered correct. The Vulgate is curious: <span class="accented">Sieur qui mittit lapidem in acervum Mercurii</span>. This rendering points to the custom, with which Jerome must have been familiar, of erecting statues of Mercury on the highways, which were thus placed under his protection. Round these statues were ranged heaps of stones, to which every wayfarer contributed by throwing a pebble as he passed. The absence of the critical faculty which discerned no absurdity in this anachronism is sufficiently remarkable. The Latin saying seems intended to denote useless labour, as we speak of "carrying coals to Newcastle." <span class="cmt_word">So is he that giveth honour to a fool.</span> You pay respect to a fool, or place him in an honourable position, but your labour is wasted; he cannot act up to his dignity, he cannot maintain the honour; it passes away like the stone from the sling, or, if it remains, it is useless to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-8.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">Like binding</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּצְר֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(kiṣ·rō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6887.htm">Strong's 6887: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a stone</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֭בֶן</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḇen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into a sling</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמַרְגֵּמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(bə·mar·gê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4773.htm">Strong's 4773: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone-heap</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּן־</span> <span class="translit">(kên-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the giving</span><br /><span class="heb">נוֹתֵ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(nō·w·ṯên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of honor</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּבֽוֹד׃</span> <span class="translit">(kā·ḇō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to a fool.</span><br /><span class="heb">לִכְסִ֣יל</span> <span class="translit">(liḵ·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-8.htm">Proverbs 26:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:8 As one who binds a stone (Prov. 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