26:4 Answer not a fool {a} according to his folly, lest thou also be like him.

(a) Consent not to him in his doings.

26:5 Answer a fool {b} according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

(b) Reprove him as the matter requires.

26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off {c} the feet, {d} [and] drinketh damage.

(c) That is, of the messenger whom he sends.

(d) That is, receives damage by it.

26:9 [As] a thorn goeth {e} up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.

(e) By which he hurts both himself and others.

26:10 {f} The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

(f) Meaning God.

26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] {g} more hope of a fool than of him.

(g) For the fool would rather be counselled than he: also the fool sins out of ignorance, and the other out of malice.

26:13 The slothful [man] saith, {h} [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

(h) Read Pr 22:13.

26:19 So [is] the man [that] deceiveth {i} his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

(i) Who disguises himself to be that which he is not.

26:23 Burning lips and {k} a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.

(k) They will soon break out and utter themselves.

26:25 When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for [there are] {l} seven abominations in his heart.

(l) Meaning many: he uses a certain number for the uncertain.

26:26 [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the [whole] {m} congregation.

(m) In the assembly of the godly.