Proverbs 26

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

2 As the bird by wandering, as a swallow by flying, so a curse without cause shall not alight.

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 think himself wise in his own conceit.

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

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 honor to a fool.

9 As a thorn pierceth into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10 The great God who 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 for a fool than for 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 an answer.

17 He that passeth by and meddleth in 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 neighbor and saith, "Am I not in jest?"

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 shown 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.