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Proverbs 26:19

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 26:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?
Proverbs 26:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason.
17He that passeth by, [and] vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is [like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,
19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?
20For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
21[As] coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.
22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
← Proverbs 26:18Proverbs 26:20 →
← Full Chapter 26 Proverbs Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, etc.] By telling him a lie; or by reporting false things concerning him; or by cheating him in trade and commerce; or by taking his goods privately from him; and, when caught in either of these, and saith, Amos not I in sport? do not be angry, I designed no hurt; it is all in jest, a mere joke: but, had he not been apprehended, it would have been in earnest, as he was. This is only an excuse, and as absurd an one as if a man should set fire to his neighbour’s house and barns, or throw arrows at him, or strike him with any instrument of death, as the sword, etc. and then say he was only in jest, or pretend madness.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The teacher cuts off the plea which people make when they have hurt their neighbor by lies, that they “did not mean mischief,” that they were “only in fun.” Such jesting is like that of the madman flinging firebrands or arrows. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“and: Pro 10:23, Pro 14:9, Pro 15:21; Eph 5:4; Pe2 2:13 Proverbs 26:20”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 26 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification