THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

Proverbs 26

1 ¶ Like snow in summer, and rain in harvest, honor is not appropriate for a fool.

2 ¶ Like a wandering sparrow, and a flying swallow, a curse will not come without a reason.

3 ¶ A whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

4 ¶ Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own conceit.

6 ¶ He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his feet, and drinks in damage.

7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool, is like lame legs that hang useless.

8 One who gives honor to a fool, is like one who ties a stone in a sling.

9 A proverb in the mouth of a fools, is like a thorn going into the hand of a drunkard.

10 ¶ The great God who formed all things rewards both the fool, and transgressors.

11 ¶ As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.

12 ¶ Do you see a man who is wise in his own conceit? there is more hope for a fool than for him.

13 ¶ A slothful man says, There is a lion in the road; a lion is in the streets.

14 ¶ A door turns on its hinges, and a slothful man turns on his bed.

15 ¶ The slothful man rests his hand on his chest; and it grieves him to bring it back to his mouth.

16 ¶ A sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men who answer intelligently.

17 ¶ He who passes by, and meddles in someone else’s argument, is like one who pulls a dog’s ears.

18 ¶ Like a madman who shoots flaming darts, and deadly arrows,

19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, I was only joking.

20 ¶ When there is no wood, a fire goes out: and when there is no talebearer, a quarrel dies down.

21 As charcoal is to embers, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are like choice food, and they go down into one’s innermost being.

23 ¶ Smooth lips that conceal a wicked heart are like a clay vessel covered with silver dross.

24 ¶ One filled with hate disguises it with his lips, but harbors deceit within himself;

25 When he speaks graciously, do not trust him: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 His hatred is deceitfully hidden, but his wickedness will be revealed before the entire community.

27 ¶ One who digs a pit will fall into it: and whoever rolls a stone, may have it come back on him.

28 ¶ A lying tongue hates those who suffer because of it; and a flattering mouth causes ruin.