Proverbs 26

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

2  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.

4  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 conceit.

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

7  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.

9  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.

11  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.

13  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.

15  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.

17  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,

19  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.

21  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.

23  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;

25  When he speaketh fair, 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.

27  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 afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.