4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly , Or you will also be like him. 5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes .
6 He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool . 7 Like the legs which are useless to the lame , So is a proverb in the mouth of fools . 8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling , So is he who gives honor to a fool . 9 Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard , So is a proverb in the mouth of fools .
10 Like an archer who wounds everyone , So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.
11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly .
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes ? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:4-12
Commentary on Proverbs 26:4-5
(Read Proverbs 26:4-5)
We are to fit our remarks to the man, and address them to his conscience, so as may best end the debate.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:6-9
(Read Proverbs 26:6-9)
Fools are not fit to be trusted, nor to have any honour. Wise sayings, as a foolish man delivers and applies them, lose their usefulness.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:10
(Read Proverbs 26:10)
This verse may either declare how the Lord, the Creator of all men, will deal with sinners according to their guilt, or, how the powerful among men should disgrace and punish the wicked.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:11
(Read Proverbs 26:11)
The dog is a loathsome emblem of those sinners who return to their vices, 2 Peter 2:22.
Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
(Read Proverbs 26:12)
We see many a one who has some little sense, but is proud of it. This describes those who think their spiritual state to be good, when really it is very bad.