Proverbs 26:16

Proverbs 26:16 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
• New International Version (NIV)A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.
• English Standard Version (ESV)The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
• New King James Version (NKJV)The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Context of Proverbs 26:16

14As the door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy person on his bed [never getting out of it]. 15The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes Than seven [sensible] men who can give a discreet answer. 17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten] Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business. 18Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows, and death,

Proverbs 26:16 word by word

חָכָ֣ם עָצֵ֣ל בְּעֵינָ֑יו מִ֝שִּׁבְעָ֗ה מְשִׁ֣יבֵי טָֽעַם׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• The sluggardעָצֵל‛âtsêl · sluggishH6102
• wiserחָכָםchâkâm · wiseH2450
• in his own conceitעַ֫יִן‛ayin · eyeH5869
• than seven menשֶׁ֫בַעsheba‛ shib‛âh · sevenH7651
• that can renderשׁוּבshûb · to return: replyH7725
• a reasonטַ֫עַםţa‛am · tasteH2940

Cross-references for Proverbs 26:16

• Proverbs 26:12Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes and full of self-conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
• Proverbs 12:15The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.
• 1 Peter 3:15But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.

Commentaries on Proverbs 26:16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 16Than seven men that can render a reason - Seven here only means perfection, abundance, or multitude. He is wiser in his own eyes than a multitude of the wisest men. "Than seven men that sytt and teach." - Coverdale; i.e., than seven doctors of the law, or heads of the schools of the prophets, who always sat while they taught.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 16Seven - The definite number used for the indefinite (compare Proverbs 24:16). Reason - Better, a right judgment.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 16Verse 16 He that takes pains in religion, knows he is working for a good Master, and that his labour shall not be in vain.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 13-16The slacker: See Proverbs 6:6–11; 10:4–5; 15:19; 22:13.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1616. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 26:16

• Conceit
• Idleness
• Pride
• Sarcasm
• Seven
• Slothfulness

In the dictionaries

• Causeless
• Conceit
• Kindle
• Render
• Seemly
• Seven
• Sport
• Talebearer
• Hezekiah (2)
• Proverb

Commentaries on Proverbs 26

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings