New English Translation
Proverbs 26:19
19so is a person who deceives his neighbor, and says, “Was I not only joking?”
Proverbs 26:19 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
- New International Version (NIV)is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
- English Standard Version (ESV)is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!"
- New King James Version (NKJV)Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “I was only joking!”
Context of Proverbs 26:19
17Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears, so is the person passing by who becomes furious over a quarrel not his own. 18Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows, so is a person who deceives his neighbor, and says, “Was I not only joking?” 20Where there is no wood, a fire goes out, and where there is no gossip, contention ceases. 21Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife.
Read all of Proverbs 26Proverbs 26:19 word by word
כֵּֽן־אִ֭ישׁ רִמָּ֣ה אֶת־רֵעֵ֑הוּ וְ֝אָמַ֗ר הֲֽלֹא־מְשַׂחֵ֥ק אָֽנִי׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 26:19
- Proverbs 10:23Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.
- Proverbs 14:9Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.
- Proverbs 15:21Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course.
- Ephesians 5:4Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving.
- 2 Peter 2:13suffering harm as the wages for their harmful ways. By considering it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight, they are stains and blemishes, indulging in their deceitful pleasures when they feast together with you.
Commentaries on Proverbs 26:19
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 19Am not I in sport? - How many hearts have been made sad, and how many reputations have been slain, by this kind of sport! "I designed no harm by what I said;" "It was only in jest," etc. Sportive as such persons may think their conduct to be, it is as ruinous as that of the mad man who shoots arrows, throws firebrands, and projects in all directions instruments of death, so that some are wounded, some burnt, and some slain.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 18-19Verses 18-19 He that sins in jest, must repent in earnest, or his sin will be his ruin.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 18-19Lies are very dangerous because they make people act on false information. Liars cannot later claim they were only joking (see Proverbs 6:16–19; 14:5, 25; 25:18).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 18-1918-19. Such are reckless of results.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 26:19
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
New English Translation — © 1996-2016 Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
Commentaries