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 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 does the lazy man on his bed. 15The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. 17He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 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 wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
• Proverbs 12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.
• 1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

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