PROVERBS 26

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

2 As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, so the curse that is causeless lighteth not.⋮

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools.⋮

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.⋮

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.⋮

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage.⋮

7 The legs of the lame hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.⋮

8 As a bag of gems in a heap of stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.⋮

9 As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the month of fools.⋮

10 As an archer that woundeth all, so is he that hireth the fool and he that hireth them that pass by.⋮

11 As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is a fool that repeateth his folly.⋮

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

13 The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.⋮

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

15 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.⋮

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.⋮

17 He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.⋮

18 As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death;⋮

19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?⋮

20 For lack of wood the fire goeth out: and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.⋮

21 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to inflame strife.⋮

22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.⋮

23 Fervent lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.⋮

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him:⋮

25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart:⋮

26 Though his hatred cover itself with guile, his wickedness shall be openly shewed before the congregation.⋮

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.⋮

28 A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.⋮