King James Version

What Does Proverbs 26:1 Mean?

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

Proverbs 26:1 · King James Version


Context

1

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

3

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Snow in summer, rain in harvest, and 'honour' for a fool are equally 'not seemly' (Hebrew 'lo na'vah'—not fitting/appropriate). Weather out of season damages crops; honor given to fools is similarly destructive and contrary to natural order. Fools deserve reproof, not honor (26:3). Reformed theology values proper order reflecting God's wisdom. Honoring fools elevates wickedness and encourages folly. Society that honors fools rather than wise degenerates. This proverb warns against false praise and inappropriate elevation of those lacking wisdom and virtue.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Agricultural societies understood seasonal propriety. Snow in summer (rare in Palestine) or rain during dry harvest season would ruin crops, making the metaphor for fool-honoring powerfully negative.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you give honor where it's not deserved, perhaps to avoid conflict or gain favor?
  2. How does contemporary culture honor fools while despising the wise?
  3. What would it look like to restore proper honoring of wisdom and virtue in your spheres?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כַּשֶּׁ֤לֶג׀
1 of 9

As snow

H7950
snow (probably from its whiteness)
בַּקַּ֗יִץ
2 of 9

in summer

H7019
harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season
וְכַמָּטָ֥ר
3 of 9

and as rain

H4306
rain
בַּקָּצִ֑יר
4 of 9

in harvest

H7105
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
כֵּ֤ן
5 of 9
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹא
6 of 9
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָאוֶ֖ה
7 of 9

is not seemly

H5000
suitable, or beautiful
לִכְסִ֣יל
8 of 9

for a fool

H3684
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
כָּבֽוֹד׃
9 of 9

so honour

H3519
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 26:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 26:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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