17 He that passing by vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is [like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 so is a man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am I not in sport?
20 Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no talebearer, the contention ceaseth. 21 [As] coals for hot coals, and wood for fire, so is a contentious man to inflame strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Ardent lips, and a wicked heart, are [as] an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him: 25 when his voice is gracious, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Though [his] hatred is covered by dissimulation, his wickedness shall be made manifest in the congregation.
27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.
28 A lying tongue hateth those that are injured by it, and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17-28
Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
(Read Proverbs 26:17)
To make ourselves busy in other men's matters, is to thrust ourselves into temptation.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:18-19
(Read Proverbs 26:18-19)
He that sins in jest, must repent in earnest, or his sin will be his ruin.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:20-22
(Read Proverbs 26:20-22)
Contention heats the spirit, and puts families and societies into a flame. And that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning by whisperers and backbiters.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:23
(Read Proverbs 26:23)
A wicked heart disguising itself, is like a potsherd covered with the dross of silver.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:24-26
(Read Proverbs 26:24-26)
Always distrust when a man speaks fair unless you know him well. Satan, in his temptations, speaks fair, as he did to Eve; but it is madness to give credit to him.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
(Read Proverbs 26:27)
What pains men take to do mischief to others! but it is digging a pit, it is rolling a stone, hard work; and they prepare mischief to themselves.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:28
(Read Proverbs 26:28)
There are two sorts of lies equally detestable. A slandering lie, the mischief of this every body sees. A flattering lie, which secretly works ruin. A wise man will be more afraid of a flatterer than of a slanderer.