A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 26
Proverbs 26
Similitudes, Instructions
1 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, so a curse without cause does not alight.
3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
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.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!”
14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a discreet answer.
17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows and death,
19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, “Was I not joking?”
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.
21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
23 Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross are burning lips and a wicked heart.
24 He who hates disguises it with his lips, but he lays up deceit in his heart.
25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Reflection
Chapter 26 talks a lot about someone who is foolish and the consequences of their actions and spends a good portion addressing gossip. Re-read verses 20-26. Some versions use the word “whisperer,” while others use the word “gossip” or something similar. This passage explains how gossip looks charming but is really the opposite.
Reflect
What does the passage say about someone who gossips?
When there is no “whisperer,” no one who is spreading gossip, what happens (verse 20)?
Engage
We are all guilty of gossip. By listening to wisdom, practicing obedience, and praying for help, we can become better at catching ourselves and holding our tongue.
What ways can you practice these things?
An Extra Mile
The next time you catch yourself talking about someone else negatively, pause and reflect back on this chapter of Proverbs. How can you correct your language? How can you use your words wisely?
Today’s reflection provided by YOUVERSION Reading Plan: 30 Day Challenge: A Walk Through Proverbs