Bible Chapter Summary
Proverbs 26 Summary
Folly, Wisdom, and Dispute
The chapter teaches the paradoxical wisdom of answering or not answering a fool according to his folly, lest one become like him. Sending a message by a fool, giving honor to a fool, or using a parable in a fool's mouth are all likened to self-harm. The fool returns to his folly as a dog returns to his vomit, and talebearing, deceit, and hatred bring ruin.
Key themes
Key verses
Proverbs 26:4-5
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.”
Proverbs 26:11
“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”
Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Proverbs 26:27
“Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.”
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