Proverbs 26:1
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
Original Language Analysis
בַּקַּ֗יִץ
in summer
H7019
בַּקַּ֗יִץ
in summer
Strong's:
H7019
Word #:
2 of 9
harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season
בַּקָּצִ֑יר
in harvest
H7105
בַּקָּצִ֑יר
in harvest
Strong's:
H7105
Word #:
4 of 9
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Proverbs 19:10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.Proverbs 28:16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.Psalms 12:8The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you give honor where it's not deserved, perhaps to avoid conflict or gain favor?
- How does contemporary culture honor fools while despising the wise?
- What would it look like to restore proper honoring of wisdom and virtue in your spheres?
Analysis & Commentary
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.