Proverbs 26

1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly 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 ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.

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

6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.damage: or, violence 7The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.are…: Heb. are lifted up 8As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.bindeth…: or, putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones 9As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.The great…: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors 11As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly 12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 14As the door turneth upon his 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.it grieveth…: or, he is weary 16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. 17He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.meddleth: or, is enraged

18As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks 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.Where no…: Heb. Without woodtalebearer: or, whispererceaseth: Heb. is silent 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.innermost…: Heb. chambers 23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;dissembleth: or, is known 25When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.speaketh…: Heb. maketh his voice gracious 26Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.by…: or, in secret 27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. 28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.