Proverbs – Chapter 26

Old Testament28 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 26 of Proverbs begins: "As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool." Across its 28 verses, two threads run through the text: wisdom for daily living and love and charity. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool.

2As a bird flying to other places, and a sparrow going here or there: so a curse uttered without cause shall come upon a man.

3A whip for a horse, and a snaffle for an ass, and a rod for the back of fools.

4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be made like him.

5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise.

6He that sendeth words by a foolish messenger, is lame of feet and drinketh iniquity.

7As a lame man hath fair legs in vain: so a parable is unseemly in the mouth of fools.

8As he that casteth a stone into the heap of Mercury: so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9As if a thorn should grow in the hand of a drunkard: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10Judgment determineth causes: and he that putteth a fool to silence, appeaseth anger.

11As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is the fool that repeateth his folly.

12Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall be more hope of a fool than of him.

13The slothful man saith: There is a lion in the way, and a lioness in the roads.

14As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and it grieveth him to turn it to his mouth.

16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that speak sentences.

17As he that taketh a dog by the ears, so is he that passeth by in anger, and meddleth with another man's quarrel.

18As he is guilty that shooteth arrows, and lances unto death.

19So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest.

20When the wood faileth, the fire shall go out: and when the talebearer is taken away, contentions shall cease.

21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so an angry man stirreth up strife.

22The words of a talebearer are as it were simple, but they reach to the innermost parts of the belly.

23Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an earthern vessel adorned with silver dross.

24An enemy is known by his lips, when in his heart he entertaineth deceit.

25When he shall speak low, trust him not: because there are seven mischiefs in his heart.

26He that covereth hatred deceitfully, his malice shall be laid open in the public assembly.

27He that diggeth a pit, shall fall into it: and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return to him.

28A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth worketh ruin.

Important Verses in Proverbs 26

As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool.

Proverbs 26:1

Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall be more hope of a fool than of him.

Proverbs 26:12

Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an earthern vessel adorned with silver dross.

Proverbs 26:23

A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth worketh ruin.

Proverbs 26:28

Historical Context

Proverbs addresses the young and all who seek to live skillfully before God within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 26 of 31 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 28 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool." The final verse reads: "A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth worketh ruin. " The wider setting of Proverbs is this: Proverbs distills practical wisdom for daily life—speech, work, friendship, family, money—under one master principle: 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (Prov 9:10). Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Proverbs around Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'

When It Was Written

Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

The sage addresses concrete situations—speech, work, relationships, and fear of the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool." The passage repeatedly touches on wisdom for daily living.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of wisdom for daily living. Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1700).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.

Reflection for Today

In Proverbs Chapter 26, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of wisdom for daily living.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Proverbs Chapter 26 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

As you continue through Proverbs, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Proverbs Chapter 26 about?

Proverbs 26 contains 28 verses. It opens with "As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool." and closes with "A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth worketh ruin. ". The book as a whole is wisdom sayings and instructions.

What is a key verse in Proverbs 26?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Proverbs and when?

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'. Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

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