God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 26:3
3A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the donkey, and a rod is for the backs of fools.
Proverbs 26:3 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
- New International Version (NIV)A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
- English Standard Version (ESV)A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
- New King James Version (NKJV)A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool’s back.
Context of Proverbs 26:3
1Like snow in summertime and rain at harvest time, so honor is not right for a fool. 2Like a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow, so a hastily spoken curse does not come to rest. A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the donkey, and a rod is for the backs of fools. 4Do not answer a fool with his own stupidity, or you will be like him. 5Answer a fool with his own stupidity, or he will think he is wise.
Read all of Proverbs 26Proverbs 26:3 word by word
שׁ֣וֹט לַ֭סּוּס מֶ֣תֶג לַחֲמ֑וֹר וְ֝שֵׁ֗בֶט לְגֵ֣ו כְּסִילִֽים׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 26:3
- Proverbs 10:13Wisdom is found on the lips of a person who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of one without sense.
- Proverbs 17:10A reprimand impresses a person who has understanding more than a hundred lashes impress a fool.
- Proverbs 19:25Strike a mocker, and a gullible person may learn a lesson. Warn an understanding person, and he will gain more knowledge.
- Proverbs 27:22If you crush a stubborn fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, ⌞even then⌟ his stupidity will not leave him.
- Judges 8:5So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give me some food for the men under my command. They’re exhausted, and I’m pursuing King Zebah and King Zalmunna of Midian.”
- Psalms 32:9Don’t be stubborn like a horse or mule. ⌞They need⌟ a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them, or they will not come near you.”
- 1 Corinthians 4:21When I come to visit you, would you prefer that I punish you or show you love and a gentle spirit?
- 2 Corinthians 10:6We are ready to punish every act of disobedience when you have become completely obedient.
- 2 Corinthians 13:2I already warned you when I was with you the second time, and even though I’m not there now, I’m warning you again. When I visit you again, I won’t spare you. That goes for all those who formerly led sinful lives as well as for all the others.
Commentaries on Proverbs 26:3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3A whip for the horse - Correction is as suitable to a fool, as a whip is for a horse, or a bridle for an ass.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 3Verse 3 Every creature must be dealt with according to its nature, but careless and profligate sinners never will be ruled by reason and persuasion. Man indeed is born like the wild ass's colt; but some, by the grace of God, are changed.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 3A fool is like a simple animal that needs strong guidance (see Proverbs 10:13; 14:3).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 26:3
In the dictionaries
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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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