Proverbs Chapter 26 · Verse 10
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֥ב
The great
H7227
רַ֥ב
The great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
1 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
מְחֽוֹלֵֽל
God that formed
H2342
מְחֽוֹלֵֽל
God that formed
Strong's:
H2342
Word #:
2 of 7
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
כֹּ֑ל
H3605
כֹּ֑ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
the fool
H3684
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
the fool
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What harm have you caused by employing or empowering incompetent or wicked people?
- How can you better evaluate character and competence before entrusting authority?
- How does confidence in God's impartial judgment affect your response to injustice?
Analysis & 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.