Proverbs - Chapter 26

1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not seemly for a fool. 2As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools. 4Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off `his own' feet, `and' drinketh in damage. 7The legs of the lame hang loose: So is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool. 9`As' a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10`As' an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by. 11As a dog that returneth to his vomit, `So is' a fool that repeateth his folly. 12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. 13The 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. 15The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth. 16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason. 17He that passeth by, `and' vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is `like' one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death, 19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport? 20For 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. 22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 23Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are `like' an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross. 24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him: 25When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart: 26Though `his' hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly. 27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him. 28A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.