Proverbs 26
1 As snow is in summer, and as rain in harvest: so is honor not seemly to a fool.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2 As the bird [cometh] to flit away, as the swallow, to fly off: so will an undeserved curse not come [to fulfillment].
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3 A whip is 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 ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest thou also become equal 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 choppeth off the feet, and drinketh vexation, that sendeth important messages by the hand of a fool.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, [and] drinketh damage.
7 Too feebly hang down the thighs on a lame man: 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 is the one that bindeth a stone fast in a sling, so is he that giveth honor 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 that is come 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 A master injureth all things when he hireth a fool or hireth mere rovers.
The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so doth a fool repeat to act in his folly.
As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.
12 When thou seest a man wise in his own eyes, then is there more hope for a fool than for him.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.
13 The slothful saith, There is a leopard in the way: a lion is between the streets.
The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.
14 As a door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
[As] the door turneth upon his hinges, so [doth] the slothful upon his bed.
15 Hath the slothful hidden his hand in the dish, it wearieth him to bring it back again to his mouth.
The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16 The slothful is wiser in his own eyes, than seven men that can give wise answers.
The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17 As is one that taketh hold of a dog by the ears, so is he that passing by becometh excited about a dispute which concerneth him not.
He that passeth by, [and] meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 As one fatigueth himself shooting off firebrands, arrows, and death:
As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 So is the man that hath cheated his neighbor, and saith, Behold, I am only jesting.
So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goeth out: so where there is no whisperer, strife is silenced.
Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21 As charcoals are added to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man fitted to enkindle a dispute.
[As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost chambers of the body.
The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Like silver dross laid over an earthen vessel, so are burning lips with a bad heart.
Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24 With his lips dissembleth he that hateth, and within himself layeth he up deceit:
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25 Though he make his voice sound ever so graciously, 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 If one's hatred be covered by deception, then shall be laid bare his wickedness before a [whole] assembly.
[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.
27 Whoso diggeth a pit will fall therein; and upon him that rolleth a stone, will it return.
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
28 A lying tongue hateth those that are crushed by it; and a flattering mouth prepareth [others'] downfall.
A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
