Proverbs 26: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Proverbs 26 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Proverbs 26 brings a collection of vivid sayings emphasizing the distinction between wisdom and folly. The chapter begins with a warning against honoring the fool, drawing analogies from nature to illustrate the inappropriate nature of such actions. As it continues, the text gives various characteristics of a fool, underscoring themes of sloth, deceptive speech, and self-destructive behaviors.

Key verse

“As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.”
Proverbs 26:11 (WEB)

Outline

Proverbs 26:1–2 Honor and the Fool
Proverbs 26:3–6 Characteristics of a Fool
Proverbs 26:7–12 The Fool's Folly
Proverbs 26:13–16 The Sluggard's Laziness
Proverbs 26:17–22 Contentiousness and Gossip
Proverbs 26:23–26 Deception in Speech
Proverbs 26:27–28 Consequences of Malice

Discussion questions

In v1, why is honor compared to 'snow in summer' and 'rain in harvest'?
What does the imagery of a 'dog that returns to his vomit' in v11 suggest about a fool?
In v4, why is it suggested not to answer a fool according to his folly?
In vv. 24-25, what does it mean for a malicious man to disguise himself with his lips?
When have you seen a situation resemble a 'thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard' (v9)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Proverbs 26: Romans 12, Proverbs 29, 2 Peter 2.

Before next time: read Proverbs 27.