PROVERBS 26

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Proverbs 26: 1, 3-12The fool

PROVERBS 26:1, 6, 8, 10Honor, trust, and position not fitting for a fool

vs. 1 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

vs. 6 He cuts off his own feet, and drinks violence, Who sends a message by the hand of a fool.

vs. 8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.

vs. 10 Like an archer who wounds everyone, so is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.

PROVERBS 26:3Teachability

vs. 3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

Are you teachable?

“My sheep hear my voice…and they follow me.”

Heb 12: 6, 11 Biblical discipline

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Proverbs 26: 4-5Directions for interacting with a fool.

vs. 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.

Vs. 5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

• We should not be drawn down to a fool’s level

• At other times, we should refute them

• Wisdom instructs you how to respond.

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Proverbs 26: 7, 9Wisdom: useful or useless?

dangerous or saving?vs. 7 Like the legs which hang down from the lame,

so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

• II Tim 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

• James 1: 22-23

vs. 9 Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

• II Tim 4:3-4, I Tim 4:1

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Proverbs 26: 11Behavior of a fool

vs. 11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

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Proverbs 26: 12The danger of pride

vs. 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Eph 2: 1-10

We too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh…

(we) indulged the desires of the flesh and of the mind

(we) were, by nature, children of wrath…

We were dead in our transgressions

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…made us alive together with Christ, raised us up with Him…in order to show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us.

Gal 3:3 Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 8

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Proverbs 26: 13-16The sluggard

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Proverbs 26: 13-16The sluggard

vs. 13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square.

vs. 14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed.

vs. 15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is weary of bringing it to his mouth again

vs. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a discreet answer.

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Proverbs 26: 13-16 The sluggard

Prov 30: 25 The ants are not a strong folk, but they prepare their food in the summer;

Prov 6: 6-11 Go the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest”--and your poverty will come in like a vagabond.

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Proverbs 26: 13-16 Scripture urges diligence about…

1. Work: Col 3:23

2. Saving and preparing for future needs: II Thes 3: 7-12, Prov 6: 6-11

3. Studying God’s word: II Tim 2:15, Prov 2:2-5

4. Ministry/God’s work: II Tim 4: 1-2,5, John 4:33:35

5. Your spouse and your family: Prov 27: 23, Deut 6: 6-7

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Proverbs 26: 17-28Speech, quarrels, and deceit

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Proverbs 26: 17Disputes

vs. 17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears, is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.

Every battle is not yours to fight; every wrong is not yours to right.

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Proverbs 26: 18-19Trying to escape deception

vs. 18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

vs. 19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, “was I not joking?”

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Proverbs 26: 20-22Gossip/Contentious speech

vs. 20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.

vs. 21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

vs. 22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

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Proverbs 26: 20-22Gossip/Contentious speech

The unrighteous --> talk

The righteous --> speak grace

1. Restraint: Prov 10:19, 17:27, 20:12, James 1:19

2. A gentle response…

Prov 15:1, 20:12

3. Words well spoken

Eph 4:29, Prov 25:11, Col 4:617

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Proverbs 26: 23-26, 28A false facade

vs. 23 Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross are burning lips and a wicked heart.

vs. 24 He who hates disguises it with his lips, but he lays up deceit in his heart.

vs. 25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.

vs. 26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

vs. 28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Matthew 23: 25-28 “you clean the outside of the cup…you are like white-washed tombs” 1

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Proverbs 26: 27The boomerang effect

vs. 27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.

Gal 6: 6-7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. The one who sows to his own flesh shall…reap corruption…the one who sows to the Spirit shall…reap eternal life.

PROVERBS 26