Proverbs 26:10

Proverbs 26:10, in the King James Version, presents a profound statement about divine justice and accountability. It declares, "The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors." This verse speaks to the omniscient and sovereign nature of God, who oversees all creation and ensures that actions, whether foolish or rebellious, do not go without their just consequences.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs (chapters 25-29) that contains various maxims attributed to Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah. Chapter 26, in particular, is largely dedicated to the characteristics and consequences of dealing with fools and sluggards. While many verses in this chapter offer practical advice on how to interact with or avoid foolish behavior, verse 10 stands out by shifting the focus from human interaction to divine judgment.

It's important to note that the KJV's interpretation of this verse, particularly the insertion of "[God]" and the rendering "formed all [things]," is a specific interpretive choice. Other ancient translations and modern versions often interpret the Hebrew differently, suggesting a master or an archer who wounds or hires everyone, including fools and transgressors. However, the KJV's reading emphasizes the direct involvement of God as the ultimate authority and judge, aligning with broader biblical themes of divine sovereignty and justice.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The primary theme of the KJV rendering is God's absolute control and righteous judgment. As the Creator ("that formed all things"), God is presented as the one who ultimately deals with both the foolish and the rebellious. This reinforces the biblical truth that God judges the world in righteousness.
• Accountability for Actions: The verse highlights that there are consequences for folly and transgression. Whether these "rewards" are punitive or a natural outcome of one's choices, they are ultimately administered or permitted by God. It underscores the principle that no one is above divine scrutiny.
• The Nature of Folly and Transgression: "Fools" (Hebrew: kesil) in Proverbs are not merely unintelligent but are morally deficient, rejecting wisdom and instruction. "Transgressors" (Hebrew: ovrim) are those who cross boundaries, rebel, or act unfaithfully. The verse implies that both types of behaviors incur divine "reward," often in the form of negative consequences or judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's translation of Proverbs 26:10 is one of the most debated in the book. The Hebrew word rendered "great" is rav (רַב), which can mean "great," "many," or "master/employer." The verb translated "formed" is m'ḥolel (מְחוֹלֵל), which is particularly challenging. It can mean "to twist," "to pierce," "to bring forth/form," or "to hire." The KJV translators understood it in the sense of "forming" or "creating," leading to the interpretation of "The great God that formed all things."

However, many other interpretations exist due to the ambiguity of these Hebrew terms, often leading to translations like "A master archer wounds everyone" (NIV) or "An employer hires a fool and a transgressor" (ESV, NET). The KJV's unique rendering, while possibly less direct from a purely linguistic standpoint compared to some modern interpretations, emphasizes a theological truth deeply rooted elsewhere in Scripture: God's ultimate authority and role as judge over all creation.

Practical Application

For believers, the KJV's message in Proverbs 26:10 serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipresence and perfect justice. It encourages:

• Reverence for God: Understanding that the great God, the Creator, holds all accountable should inspire awe and a healthy fear of the Lord. This reverence leads to living a life that honors Him.
• Seeking Wisdom and Righteousness: If both fools and transgressors receive their "reward," it underscores the importance of choosing wisdom over folly and righteousness over rebellion. The path of wisdom, as extolled throughout Proverbs, leads to life and blessing, while folly leads to destruction. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
• Trust in Divine Justice: In a world where justice often seems elusive, this verse offers comfort that God sees all and will ultimately bring about what is just. While we may not always see immediate consequences, God's ultimate reward (or judgment) is certain.