26
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.1 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.2 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.3 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.4 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.5 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.6 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.7 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.8 18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,9 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.101112 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.13 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;14 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.15 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.16 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.
126:5conceit: Heb. eyes226:6damage: or, violence326:7are…: Heb. are lifted up426:8bindeth…: or, putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones526:10The great…: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors626:11returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly726:15it grieveth…: or, he is weary826:17meddleth: or, is enraged926:18firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks1026:20Where no…: Heb. Without wood1126:20talebearer: or, whisperer1226:20ceaseth: Heb. is silent1326:22innermost…: Heb. chambers1426:24dissembleth: or, is known1526:25speaketh…: Heb. maketh his voice gracious1626:26by…: or, in secret