Proverbs 26
1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not proper for a fool.
2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back.
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 him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
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 the feet, [and] drinketh damage.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh violence.
7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth honour to a fool.
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9 [As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10 The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [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 slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14 [As] the door turneth upon his hinges, so [doth] the slothful upon his bed.
As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15 The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth 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.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17 He that passeth by, [and] meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21 [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
He that hateth disguiseth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.
When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.
Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the whole congregation.
27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Whoever diggeth a pit shall fall into it: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
28 A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
