26:4–5 These two proverbs seem to contradict each other. The first one warns not to answer a fool according to his folly, while the second encourages answering a fool according to his folly. However, the book of Proverbs is not a list of rules; it is a collection of general principles for life—principles which must be applied carefully to relevant situations. For example, Prov 19:11 says it is a glory to overlook someone’s offense. However, 19:19 says not to spare a man of great wrath. In certain situations, the offense should be overlooked, but in other situations, it should not.

26:7–12 This series of proverbs makes various comparisons that show the worthlessness of the fool: A proverb is useless (v. 7) and painful (v. 9) in the mouth of a fool. Giving a fool honor is pointless and absurd, like tying a stone into a sling (v. 8). Hiring a fool is a dangerous gamble (v. 10). Finally, the fool’s inability to learn is highlighted as the fool returns to folly like a dog to vomit (v. 11). The proverbs strongly emphasize the negative aspects of the fool. However, v. 12 changes focus to show that the person who is wise in his own eyes is even worse than the fool.

26:13–16 These proverbs are about the sluggard (see note on 6:9). They ridicule the person too lazy to protect themselves (v. 13), get out of bed (v. 14), and bother to eat (v. 15). The sluggard’s most destructive trait is that he considers himself wise (v. 16; compare vv. 5, 12); thus, the sluggard will never change.

26:17–22 These proverbs warn against careless speech that provokes quarrels. They remind the reader that butting into other people’s arguments is dangerous, and they compare the person who deceives and claims to be joking to someone who recklessly throws around deadly flaming arrows (vv. 18–19). Three proverbs warn of the damage caused by slander and quarrels (vv. 20–22).

26:23–28 This section concerns a dishonest or deceitful person who disguises evil intentions with gracious speech. However, the person’s wickedness will eventually be exposed. Ultimately, the sins of the deceitful person will lead to destruction, like someone who falls into their own pit (v. 27).