New English Translation
Proverbs 26:3
3A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey, and a rod 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 summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. 2Like a fluttering bird or like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause does not come to rest. A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself also be like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation.
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 in the words of the discerning person, but the one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.
- Proverbs 17:10A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool.
- Proverbs 19:25Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.
- Proverbs 27:22If you should pound the fool in the mortar among the grain with the pestle, his foolishness would not depart from him.
- Judges 8:5He said to the men of Succoth, “Give some loaves of bread to the men who are following me, because they are exhausted. I am chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
- Psalms 32:9Do not be like an unintelligent horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit.
- 1 Corinthians 4:21What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
- 2 Corinthians 10:6We are also ready to punish every act of disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
- 2 Corinthians 13:2I said before when I was present the second time and now, though absent, I say again to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,
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
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Commentaries