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Proverbs Chapter Twenty-Six
May 20, 2017

In Proverbs Chapter Twenty-Five we read that those who cannot control themselves will be destroyed by others. People in control of their own lives are most likely to be honored, and honor is never due where it is out of place. A curse without cause is out of place, and in the end will not take flight. Foolish people are more likely to receive harsh correction; they do not learn from their mistakes. Be careful when responding to a foolish person. There are times to respond to a fool and there are times when saying nothing is best. Be careful on whom you rely to convey your messages because you do not want a fool representing you. Expecting a fool to use words of wisdom is like asking a person who has no control of his or her body to suddenly have that control. Honoring a fool is like giving the fool a weapon. Wisdom comes as painful to a fool as a thorn may pierce the skin.

Proverbs 26:1-9
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Even when it is discouraging to have the fool nearby, remember that God rewards people for their actions. Fools never learn from past mistakes. Lazy people invent reasons to avoid responsibility while convincing themselves of how right they are; and how wrong everyone else is. Avoid jumping into the fight between other people; they both might turn on you. Be kind to those near to you and treat them with honesty.

Proverbs 26:10-19
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

If you want to get rid of strife, get rid of those who like to gossip. Evil is deceiving. While it might look attractive, right below the surface it is ready to crack, and if you look carefully at what you can see, you will begin to see the imperfections. Avoid those who hate others; their hatred will eventually consume you like a fire.

Proverbs 26:20-28
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

People who lie about somebody else do so because deep down there is animosity towards that other person. Those who always flatter probably don't have your best interest at heart.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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