Proverbs 26

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

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

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

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

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. conceit: Heb. eyes

He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. damage: or, violence

The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. are: Heb. are lifted up

As 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

As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

The 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

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly

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

The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

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

The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. it grieveth: or, he is weary

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

He 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

As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks

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

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without wood talebearer: or, whisperer ceaseth: Heb. is silent

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. innermost: Heb. chambers

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

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; dissembleth: or, is known

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. speaketh: Heb. maketh his voice gracious

Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. by: or, in secret

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

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.