Proverbs 26:19
17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
- KJV
- So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
- WEB
- is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”
- ASV
- So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?
- DARBY
- so is a man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am I not in sport?
- BLB
- so [is] the man who has deceived his neighbor, and he says, “Am I not playing?”
- ÅB
- er en mann som har sveket sin venn og så sier: Jeg spøker jo bare!
- OTB
- er den som bedrar en nabo og sier: “Jeg bare spøkte!”
- B1930
- er en mann som har sveket sin venn og så sier: Jeg spøker jo bare!
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Ephesians 5:4
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Read in contextProverbs 10:23
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Read in contextProverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
Read in contextProverbs 15:21
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Read in context2 Peter 2:13
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Read in context