Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Proverbs 26:2
pro 26:2
By flying - Secures itself from the fowler. Not come - Upon the innocent person, but he shall escape from it like a bird.
Proverbs 26:4
pro 26:4
According - So as to imitate his folly, by passionate or reproachful speeches.
Proverbs 26:5
pro 26:5
According - So as his folly needs and requires, convincing him strongly, reproving him sharply, and exposing him to just shame.
Proverbs 26:6
pro 26:6
Cutteth off the feet - Of his messenger; bids one go that wants legs. Drinketh - Drinking, in scripture, frequently denotes the plentiful doing or receiving of any thing.
Proverbs 26:7
pro 26:7
The legs - Heb. the legs of the lame are lifted up, in going, or in dancing, which is done with great inequality and uncomeliness. So - No less incident are wise and pious speeches from a foolish and ungodly man.
Proverbs 26:8
pro 26:8
Bindeth - Whereby he hinders his own design of throwing the stone out of it. So - No less absurd is he that giveth to a fool that honour which he is not capable of using aright.
Proverbs 26:9
pro 26:9
A thorn - As a thorn is in a drunkard's hand, which he cannot manage cautiously, but employs to his own and others hurt. So - As unprofitable, and, by accident, hurtful to himself and others.
Proverbs 26:10
pro 26:10
Rewardeth - Will certainly give that recompence which is deserved by fools and transgressors, by such as sin either thro' ignorance, or wilfully.
Proverbs 26:14
pro 26:14
Turneth - Moving hither and thither upon it, but not removing from its place.
Proverbs 26:16
pro 26:16
A reason - A satisfactory reason of ail their actions.
Proverbs 26:17
pro 26:17
He - Who is going upon the way. With strife - In which he is not concerned, nor any way obliged to meddle. That taketh - Exposes himself to needless hazard.
Proverbs 26:18
pro 26:18
And death - Any instruments of death.
Proverbs 26:23
pro 26:23
Burning - With malice or hatred: A slanderous or evil tongue. Dross - Such a tongue and heart are of no real worth, although sometimes they make a shew of it, as dross does of silver.
Proverbs 26:26
pro 26:26
Deceit - With false professions of love.
Proverbs 26:27
pro 26:27
Rolleth - Up the hill with design to do mischief to some person.
