King James Version

What Does Proverbs 26:10 Mean?

Proverbs 26:10 in the King James Version says “The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. The great: or, A great man gr...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. The great: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors”

Proverbs 26:10 · KJV

Context

8

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. bindeth: or, putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones

9

As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10

The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. The great: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors

11

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly

12

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Read Proverbs 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The great God who formed all things rewards both fool and transgressor. The difficult Hebrew allows multiple translations. Most likely: the one who hires fools and transgressors harms everyone (shoots arrows randomly, wounding all). Employing incompetent or wicked people produces indiscriminate damage. Alternatively: God judges all impartially - fools and sinners both receive due recompense. Either way, wisdom requires discernment in employment and recognition that God judges justly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient employment required trust - hiring unreliable workers endangered households and businesses. Modern hiring faces similar challenges: employing incompetent or dishonest people harms organizations and stakeholders. Proverbs consistently teaches evaluating character before entrusting responsibility. God's impartial judgment assures that no one escapes justice - neither clever sinners nor ignorant fools avoid consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. What harm have you caused by employing or empowering incompetent or wicked people?
  2. How can you better evaluate character and competence before entrusting authority?
  3. How does confidence in God's impartial judgment affect your response to injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
רַ֥ב1 of 7

“The great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מְחֽוֹלֵֽל2 of 7

“God that formed”

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

כֹּ֑ל3 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְשֹׂכֵ֥ר4 of 7

“all things both rewardeth”

H7936

to hire

כְּ֝סִ֗יל5 of 7

“the fool”

H3684

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly

וְשֹׂכֵ֥ר6 of 7

“all things both rewardeth”

H7936

to hire

עֹבְרִֽים׃7 of 7

“transgressors”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

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 26:10 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 26:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:6Proverbs 11:31

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