Proverbs 26:10 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 26:10 mean?

Proverbs 26:10 describes how the great God who created everything gives consequences to both fools and those who do wrong. The verse points out that God is involved in the lives of all people, whether they act foolishly or break the rules.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for everyday life, often from a teacher or parent to a listener seeking understanding. This verse highlights that God’s oversight and justice are not limited to the wise or righteous—He deals with everyone, including those who act unwisely or cross moral boundaries.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 26:10

• "great" (רַב, rav): This word often means "many" or "great," and here it emphasizes God’s greatness or authority as the one who formed everything.
• "formed" (חול, chul): This verb means "to form" or "to bring forth," underscoring God as the creator of all things.
• "rewardeth" (שָׂכַר, sakar): This word means "to give wages" or "to recompense," showing that God gives out consequences or results for actions, not just rewards in a positive sense.
• "fool" (כְּסִיל, kesil): This term refers to someone who is morally or spiritually dull, not just lacking intelligence.
• "transgressors" (עָבַר, avar): This word means "those who cross over," describing people who go beyond what is right or lawful.

Why Proverbs 26:10 matters

• Proverbs 26:10 clears up the idea that only the wise or good receive God’s attention; it shows that God’s justice applies to everyone, including those who act foolishly or wrongly.
• The verse connects to the surrounding proverbs about fools, reinforcing the message that foolishness and wrongdoing have real consequences.
• Understanding the original words helps clarify that the "reward" here is not necessarily positive—it can mean any outcome, good or bad, that fits a person’s actions.