Proverbs 26:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

NIV: Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.

NASB: Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is one who gives honor to a fool.

CSB: Giving honor to a fool is like binding a stone in a sling.

NLT: Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

KJV: As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

NKJV: Like one who binds a stone in a sling Is he who gives honor to a fool.

The purpose of placing a stone in a sling is making it ready to be thrown. If the stone is tangled in the sling, or tied in so it cannot come out, it defeats the purpose of the sling. Not only is such a thing pointless, but it can also be dangerous and wasteful. In the same way, it's senseless to give authority, power (Proverbs 26:1), or trust to someone lacking godly common sense. At best, they might fail and accomplish little. At worst, that choice may lead to harm or unintended consequences. It can certainly lead others to question the sense of the person who gives "honor" to a fool.

Another interpretation suggested by some commentators is that the stone placed in the sling is soon thrown and lost. That is, putting a stone in a sling is temporary; the sling will naturally throw the stone away. In a comparable way, giving trust or power to a fool can only be temporary; they will naturally cast that honor aside.

History is filled with examples of foolish people coming into power and creating great harm for those around them (Proverbs 29:2).

Proverbs 26:1–12 is mostly a series of blunt, negative remarks about a "fool;" the word appears in all but one verse. In the book of Proverbs, a "fool" is one who rejects godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The segment also includes a famous pair of statements which seem contradictory. Since verses 4 and 5 are written side-by-side, the implication is that there are times where one approach or the other is best. Generally, those who ignore God's truth (Proverbs 8:34–36) are dangerous and unreliable.

This chapter includes three main sections. The first repeatedly refers to a "fool," meaning someone lacking godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The second warns against being lazy. The third condemns careless conflict, lying, and warns about those who disguise their hate with words. Several statements in this passage repeat or echo others made in the book of Proverbs.

Chapter 25 introduced another section of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25:1). These were collected by later scribes; the list runs through the end of chapter 29. This chapter covers topics such as foolishness, laziness, and conflict. This echoes principles given in other proverbs.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/5/2024 6:10:53 PM