Proverbs 26
1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour beseemeth not a fool.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2 As the sparrow for flitting about, as the swallow for flying, so a curse undeserved shall not come.
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.
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.
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 eyes.
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 damage.
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 proverb in the mouth of fools.
The legs of the lame hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8 As a bag of gems in a stoneheap, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
As a bag of gems in a heap of stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9 [As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
[As] a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the month of fools.
10 A master roughly worketh every one: he both hireth the fool and hireth passers-by.
[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 turneth back to its vomit, [so] a fool repeateth his folly.
As a dog that returneth to his vomit, [so is] a fool that repeateth his folly.
12 Hast thou seen a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
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 fierce lion in the way; a lion is in the midst of the streets!
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 the sluggard upon his bed.
[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.
The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven [men] that answer discreetly.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17 He that passing by vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is [like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.
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,
As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death;
19 so is a man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am I not in sport?
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no talebearer, the contention ceaseth.
For lack of wood the fire goeth out: and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
21 [As] coals for hot coals, and wood for fire, so is a contentious man to inflame strife.
[As] coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to inflame strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Ardent lips, and a wicked heart, are [as] an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
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:
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him:
25 when his voice is gracious, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart:
26 Though [his] hatred is covered by dissimulation, his wickedness shall be made manifest in the congregation.
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.
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.
28 A lying tongue hateth those that are injured by it, and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
