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<!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 26:18 Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/26-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_26_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 26:18 - Similitudes and Instructions" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows," /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.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/26-17.htm" title="Proverbs 26:17">◄</a> Proverbs 26:18 <a href="/proverbs/26-19.htm" title="Proverbs 26:19">►</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 />Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As a mad <i>man</i> who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a maniac who shoots Flaming arrows, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like a madman who shoots Firebrands, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's no crazier to shoot sharp and flaming arrows <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Like a madman who shoots flaming arrows, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Like the maniac who shoots fiery darts and deadly arrows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As a mad man who casteth fire-brands, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death, <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] pretending to be feeble, "" Who is casting sparks, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As one pretending to be feeble, Who is casting sparks, arrows, and death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As a madman casting fiery darts, arrows and death,<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 is guilty that shooteth arrows, and lances unto death : <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Just as he is guilty who let loose the arrows and the lances unto death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like a crazed archer scattering firebrands and deadly arrows, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a maniac who shoots deadly firebrands and arrows,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Like haughty men who utter words sharp and deadly as arrows,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Just as a braggart casts words like sharp arrows of death<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 madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As those who need correction put forth <i>fair</i> words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-18.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=5402" 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">17</span>Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3856.htm" title="3856: kə·miṯ·lah·lê·ah (Prep-k:: V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- To languish, faint. A primitive root meaning properly, to burn, i.e. to be rabid; also to languish.">Like a madman</a> <a href="/hebrew/3384.htm" title="3384: hay·yō·reh (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach.">shooting</a> <a href="/hebrew/2131.htm" title="2131: ziq·qîm (N-mp) -- (Isa. 'Abiyshuwae:; and ziq; or zeq; from zanaq; properly, what leaps forth, i.e. Flash of fire, or a burning arrow; also a bond.">firebrands</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: wā·mā·weṯ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">and deadly</a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ḥiṣ·ṣîm (N-mp) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear.">arrows,</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”…<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="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Ephesians 5:4</a></span><br />Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Romans 1:29-30</a></span><br />They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">2 Timothy 3:2-4</a></span><br />For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, / traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2-4</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah / You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Psalm 10:7</a></span><br />His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a></span><br />Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/120-2.htm">Psalm 120:2-3</a></span><br />Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. / What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,</p><p class="hdg">firebrands is flames or sparks </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/144-6.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Casting</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/143-4.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/job/41-19.htm">Firebrands</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Fire-Brands</a> <a href="/psalms/105-32.htm">Flaming</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-22.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/102-8.htm">Mad</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-20.htm">Madman</a> <a href="/acts/27-30.htm">Pretending</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/psalms/64-4.htm">Shooting</a> <a href="/psalms/128-3.htm">Shoots</a> <a href="/job/41-19.htm">Sparks</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Sticks</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Throws</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/5-28.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-2.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Casting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-20.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-26.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Firebrands</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Fire-Brands</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-5.htm">Flaming</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Mad</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-26.htm">Madman</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Pretending</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-8.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Shooting</a> <a href="/songs/4-13.htm">Shoots</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-11.htm">Sparks</a> <a href="/ezekiel/37-20.htm">Sticks</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Throws</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 a madman</b><br>The term "madman" in ancient Hebrew culture often referred to someone who was irrational or out of control, possibly even possessed. In biblical times, madness was sometimes seen as a form of divine judgment or a result of spiritual oppression. This imagery sets the stage for understanding the severity and unpredictability of the actions described. The Bible often uses madness to depict the folly of those who reject wisdom (<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25</a>).<p><b>shooting firebrands</b><br>Firebrands were burning pieces of wood or torches used in warfare to set enemy structures ablaze. This imagery suggests chaos and destruction, emphasizing the reckless and harmful nature of the actions. In the ancient Near East, fire was a common weapon of war, symbolizing devastation and ruin. The use of firebrands in this context highlights the potential for widespread damage caused by careless words or actions.<p><b>and deadly arrows</b><br>Arrows were a primary weapon in ancient warfare, representing precision and lethality. The combination of firebrands and arrows underscores the dual nature of the threat: both chaotic and targeted. Arrows in the Bible often symbolize the swift and sure consequences of sin or judgment (<a href="/psalms/64-7.htm">Psalm 64:7</a>). This phrase warns of the intentional harm that can be inflicted by those who act without wisdom or restraint.<br><br>This verse as a whole serves as a caution against reckless behavior and the potential harm it can cause, drawing a parallel to the destructive power of a madman in battle. It underscores the importance of wisdom and self-control, themes central to the book of Proverbs.<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. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the societal norms and values of ancient Israel can help us grasp the full meaning of the text.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/madman.htm">Madman</a></b><br>- The term used in this verse to describe someone acting recklessly or without regard for the consequences of their actions. In Hebrew, the word can imply someone who is insane or out of control.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_recklessness.htm">The Dangers of Recklessness</a></b><br>Just as a madman with weapons can cause unintended harm, our words and actions can have destructive consequences if not controlled.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words can be like firebrands and arrows, causing damage that cannot be easily undone. We must be mindful of how we speak to and about others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_for_actions.htm">Accountability for Actions</a></b><br>We are accountable for our actions and words. Understanding this can help us act more responsibly and with greater awareness of the impact we have on others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>Proverbs encourages us to seek wisdom in our speech and actions, avoiding the folly of reckless behavior that can lead to harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-control_as_a_virtue.htm">Self-Control as a Virtue</a></b><br>Practicing self-control is essential in avoiding the pitfalls of acting like a "madman." It is a fruit of the Spirit and a mark of maturity in the Christian life.<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/should_christians_engage_in_pranks.htm">Should Christians engage in pranks?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/father's_past_actions'_effects.htm">What are the consequences of a father's past actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gambling_considered_sinful.htm">Is gambling considered sinful?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">Firebrands.</span>--Arrows to which some blazing material was attached, in order that they might set on fire whatever they touched.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18, 19</span> - A tetrastich, but without parallelisms. <span class="cmt_word">As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death.</span> The word rendered "madman" is an <span class="greek">ἅπαξ λεγόμενον</span>, and has been variously explained; but the Authorized Version is probably correct. "Firebrands" are darts with some blazing material attached to them. "Death "forms a climax with the other dangers mentioned, which the madman deals forth recklessly and indiscriminately. <span class="cmt_word">So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?</span> When a man has injured his neighbour by lies or malice, the plea that he was only in joke is not allowed; the injury is not less real because he excuses it by alleging it was done not seriously, but playfully; no more than the fatal effects of the use of murderous weapons are lessened by their being employed by the hands of a maniac. Practical joking is often a most serious matter. A mediaeval adage says wisely - <p><span class="foreign">"Cum jocus est verus, jocus est malus atque severus,"</span> Septuagint, "Even as those who are under medical treatment (<span class="greek">ἱώμενοι</span>) throw words at men, and he who first meets the word will be overthrown; so are all they that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are seen, say, I did it in jest." As insane persons who abuse and ill treat their physicians are excused by reason of their infirmity, so those who injure friends in secret try to excuse themselves when found out by alleging that they were only joking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-18.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 a madman</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּֽ֭מִתְלַהְלֵהַּ</span> <span class="translit">(kə·miṯ·lah·lê·ah)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3856.htm">Strong's 3856: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be rabid, to languish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shooting</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיֹּרֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·reh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">firebrands</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקִּ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2131.htm">Strong's 2131: </a> </span><span class="str2">What leaps forth, flash of fire, a burning arrow, a bond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and deadly</span><br /><span class="heb">וָמָֽוֶת׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·mā·weṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">arrows,</span><br /><span class="heb">חִצִּ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥiṣ·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2671.htm">Strong's 2671: </a> </span><span class="str2">A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands arrows (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:19" /></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>