Proverbs 26

1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not proper for a fool.

2As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back.

4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.1

6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh violence.2 7The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.3 8As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.4 9As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10The greatGod that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.5

11As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.6

12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13The slothfulmansaith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.7

16The sluggardiswiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

17He that passeth by, andmeddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.8

18As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,9 19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.101112 21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.13

23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24He that hateth disguiseth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;14 25When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.15 26Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the whole congregation.16

27Whoever diggeth a pit shall fall into it: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28A lying tongue hateththose that areafflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.