Proverbs 26:18 - Forerunner Commentary

Proverbs 26:18

16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly.

17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, ^a“I was only joking!”

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no¹ talebearer, strife ceases.

21 ^aAs charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a¹ talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the¹ inmost body.

23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;

25 ^aWhen¹ he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;

26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

27 ^aWhoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ^aruin.

Verse Comparison: Proverbs 26:18

American Standard Version
As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,

Amplified® Bible
Like a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,

Contemporary English Version
It's no crazier to shoot sharp and flaming arrows

Darby English Version
As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

Good News Bible
Someone who tricks someone else and then claims that he was only joking is like a crazy person playing with a deadly weapon.

King James Version
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

New American Standard Bible
Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,

New International Version
Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows

New King James Version
Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,

Revised Standard Version
Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

Young's Literal Translation
As `one' pretending to be feeble, Who is casting sparks, arrows, and death,

New English Translation
Like a madman¹ who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows,²