New International Version
Proverbs 26:16
16A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.
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.
- 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.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.
Context of Proverbs 26:16
14As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. 15A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly. 17Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. 18Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death
Read all of Proverbs 26Proverbs 26:16 word by word
חָכָ֣ם עָצֵ֣ל בְּעֵינָ֑יו מִ֝שִּׁבְעָ֗ה מְשִׁ֣יבֵי טָֽעַם׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 26:16
- Proverbs 26:12Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
- Proverbs 12:15The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
- 1 Peter 3:15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this 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
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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