Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Proverbs Chapter 26
Metaphysically Interpreting Proverbs 26:1-28
26:1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,
So honor is not seemly for a fool.26:2As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying,
So the curse that is causeless alighteth not.26:3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass,
And a rod for the back of fools.26:4Answer not a fool according to his folly,
Lest thou also be like unto him.26:5Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own conceit.26:6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool
Cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage.26:7The legs of the lame hang loose:
So is a parable in the mouth of fools.26:8As one that bindeth a stone in a sling,
So is he that giveth honor to a fool.26:9As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard,
So is a parable in the mouth of fools.26:10As an archer that woundeth all,
So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by.26:11As a dog that returneth to his vomit,
So is a fool that repeateth his folly.26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?
There is more hope of a fool than of him.26:13The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way;
A lion is in the streets.26:14As the door turneth upon its hinges,
So doth the sluggard upon his bed.26:15The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish;
It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.26:16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit
Than seven men that can render a reason.26:17He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him,
Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.26:18As a madman who casteth firebrands,
Arrows, and death,26:19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor,
And saith, Am not I in sport?26:20For lack of wood the fire goeth out;
And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.26:21As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to inflame strife.26:22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts.26:23Fervent lips and a wicked heart
Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.26:24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips;
But he layeth up deceit within him:26:25When he speaketh fair, believe him not;
For there are seven abominations in his heart:26:26Though his hatred cover itself with guile,
His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.26:27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein;
And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.26:28A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded;
And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
September 14, 1947: Prov, 26:20-21
If we are to achieve unity, what is required of us? To be constructive in our friendships and associations. In addition to this we should be just and generous to those who are so closely associated with us, that we know their weakness, as well as their strength. We should be helpful instead of critical in our attitude and be faithful to the principles that make for unity.
Is it the part of wisdom to make peace our unvarying goal? Yes. Harmony is indispensable if we are to influence others to follow the true way of life in unity of spirit.
September 8, 1946: Prov. 26:23-28
What besides true words is necessary to the telling of truth? Our meaning and intention must match our words and be expressed by them. Otherwise, insincerity robs our words of all truth, making them deceptive and hypocritical. “Fervent lips and a wicked heart” must be understood, according to the intent of the speaker.
What reaction is experienced by the one who practices untruth and deception? He experiences in himself the results of the falsity, that he practices toward others. “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.”
How is the impulse to speak falsely overcome? By developing love of the truth for its own sake, and such entire loyalty and devotion to the Christ, that all fear of the personal consequences of speaking the truth disappears from mind.
Can truth be divorced from confidence and trust? It cannot be, for it inevitably inspires both. Neither can confidence and trust survive falsity.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 10-28-2013
