Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” New Living Translation is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.” English Standard Version is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” Berean Standard Bible so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” King James Bible So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? New King James Version Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “I was only joking!” New American Standard Bible So is a person who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Was I not joking?” NASB 1995 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Was I not joking?” NASB 1977 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Was I not joking?” Legacy Standard Bible So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Am I not joking?” Amplified Bible So is the man who deceives his neighbor (acquaintance, friend) And then says, “Was I not joking?” Christian Standard Bible so is the person who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” American Standard Version So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport? Contemporary English Version than to cheat someone and say, "I was only fooling!" English Revised Version So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? GOD'S WORD® Translation so is the person who tricks his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!" International Standard Version that's what someone is like who lies to his neighbor and then says, "I was joking, wasn't I?" NET Bible so is a person who deceives his neighbor, and says, "Was I not only joking?" New Heart English Bible is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?" Webster's Bible Translation So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleso is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” World English Bible is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSo has a man deceived his neighbor, "" And has said, “Am I not playing?” Young's Literal Translation So hath a man deceived his neighbour, And hath said, 'Am not I playing?' Smith's Literal Translation So the man deceiving his neighbor and saying, Am I not sporting? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest. Catholic Public Domain Version so also is the man who harms his friend by deceitfulness. And when he has been apprehended, he says, “I did it jokingly.” New American Bible Such are those who deceive their neighbor, and then say, “I was only joking.” New Revised Standard Version so is one who deceives a neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo is the man who deceives his neighbor; when he is caught, he says, I was merely jesting. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and when it is known, says, "I was just joking.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, And saith: 'Am not I in sport?' Brenton Septuagint Translation so are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Similitudes and Instructions…18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, 19so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” 20Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.… Cross References Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” James 3:5-10 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ... Colossians 3:8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 1 Corinthians 10:32 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— Galatians 5:15 But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. 2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, Titus 3:2 to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone. Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. / The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. / Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Psalm 52:2-4 Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah / You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. Psalm 101:5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. Proverbs 10:18-19 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. / When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Treasury of Scripture So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and said, Am not I in sport? and Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Jump to Previous Better Deceit Deceived Deceives Deceiveth Gets Joking Neighbor Neighbour Playing SportJump to Next Better Deceit Deceived Deceives Deceiveth Gets Joking Neighbor Neighbour Playing SportProverbs 26 1. observations about fools13. about sluggards 17. and about contentious busybodies so is the man who deceives his neighbor This phrase highlights the moral and ethical implications of deceit. In biblical context, deception is often condemned as it breaks the trust and harmony within a community. The Hebrew culture placed a high value on community relationships, and deceit was seen as a direct threat to social cohesion. The Bible frequently warns against deceit (e.g., Psalm 101:7, Proverbs 12:22) and emphasizes truthfulness as a reflection of God's character. Deception is also seen as a tool of the enemy, as Satan is described as the "father of lies" (John 8:44). This phrase serves as a warning against the casual or intentional harm that deceit can cause to one's neighbor, which is contrary to the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). and says, “I was only joking!” Persons / Places / Events 1. The DeceiverThis refers to an individual who engages in deceitful behavior, particularly towards their neighbor, and then attempts to dismiss the seriousness of their actions by claiming it was a joke. 2. The Neighbor Represents anyone in close proximity or relationship to the deceiver, highlighting the relational aspect of the deceit. 3. The Act of Deception The event of misleading or tricking someone, which is the central action being addressed in this proverb. Teaching Points The Seriousness of DeceptionDeception is not a trivial matter. The Hebrew root for "deceives" (ramah) implies intentional misleading, which is a serious offense in God's eyes. The Impact on Relationships Deceit damages trust and can harm relationships. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors, which includes being honest and trustworthy. The Danger of Dismissing Sin Claiming "I was only joking" minimizes the sin and its impact. We must take responsibility for our words and actions. The Call to Integrity As followers of Christ, we are called to live with integrity, ensuring our words align with our actions and reflect the truth. The Importance of Accountability We must hold ourselves accountable for our words, understanding that God values truth and honesty. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 26:19?2. How does Proverbs 26:19 warn against deceitful actions masked as jokes? 3. What are the consequences of saying, "I was only joking," in relationships? 4. How can Proverbs 26:19 guide us in practicing honesty and integrity? 5. Compare Proverbs 26:19 with Ephesians 4:25 on speaking truthfully. What similarities exist? 6. How can we ensure our words align with biblical teachings in Proverbs 26:19? 7. How does Proverbs 26:19 address the morality of deceitful actions? 8. What is the historical context of Proverbs 26:19? 9. How does Proverbs 26:19 relate to personal responsibility in speech? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26? 11. Should Christians engage in pranks? 12. Proverbs 27:19 - Is there concrete evidence that ancient Israelites commonly used water reflections as a metaphor for self-examination, or does this reveal possible cultural borrowing? 13. Proverbs 29:26 declares true justice comes solely from the LORD; does this clash with other biblical passages endorsing human justice systems? 14. What is the Bible's stance on eugenics? What Does Proverbs 26:19 Mean so is the manThe proverb completes a word-picture begun in verse 18: “Like a madman shooting fiery arrows and death, so is the man…” The comparison tells us we are dealing with reckless, destructive behavior. • Proverbs 14:16 warns that “a fool is reckless and careless,” showing the same disregard for consequences. • James 1:22 cautions believers not merely to hear but to act, contrasting the disciplined disciple with the impulsive “madman.” This opening clause sets the tone: the person in view is as dangerous as someone wielding weapons without thought. who deceives Deception is intentional misrepresentation. Scripture never treats it lightly. • Proverbs 12:20 notes, “Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil.” • Ephesians 4:25 urges, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” • Colossians 3:9 adds, “Do not lie to one another.” The man in Proverbs 26:19 plots, schemes, and manipulates. His humor is a cover for harm, not harmless fun. his neighbor “Neighbor” encompasses anyone within the circle of daily life. • Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” • Romans 13:10 explains, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” • Galatians 5:14 sums up the law in loving one’s neighbor. By targeting those close at hand, the deceiver betrays community trust and violates God’s design for relationships. and says Words reveal the heart and carry weight. • Matthew 12:36 warns that people will give account “for every careless word.” • Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • Ephesians 4:29 directs that speech be used “for building up.” Speech is never neutral; attaching “just words” to wrongdoing does not erase its moral reality. “I was only joking!” The punchline is a dodge, pretending innocence after intentional harm. • Verse 18’s image of deadly arrows shows how “joking” can wound. • Proverbs 10:23 observes that “doing wrong is like a sport to a fool,” capturing the same flippant attitude. • Ephesians 5:4 warns against “crude joking” that is “out of place.” • Ecclesiastes 7:6 likens the laughter of fools to crackling thorns—loud but quickly consumed. The disclaimer “just kidding” neither removes the hurt nor excuses the heart that planned it. summary Proverbs 26:19 exposes the danger of weaponized humor: a person deliberately deceives, harms a close companion, and then hides behind a grin. Scripture calls such behavior folly, condemns deceit, and commands love and truthful speech. Words matter, motives matter, and relationships matter; joking that masks cruelty stands condemned by the God who values truth and neighbor-love. Hebrew soכֵּֽן־ (kên-) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus is the man אִ֭ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person who deceives רִמָּ֣ה (rim·māh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7411: To hurl, to shoot, to delude, betray his neighbor רֵעֵ֑הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow and says, וְ֝אָמַ֗ר (wə·’ā·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “I אָֽנִי׃ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I was only הֲֽלֹא־ (hălō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no joking!” מְשַׂחֵ֥ק (mə·śa·ḥêq) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7832: To laugh, to play Links Proverbs 26:19 NIVProverbs 26:19 NLT Proverbs 26:19 ESV Proverbs 26:19 NASB Proverbs 26:19 KJV Proverbs 26:19 BibleApps.com Proverbs 26:19 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 26:19 Chinese Bible Proverbs 26:19 French Bible Proverbs 26:19 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor (Prov. 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