26 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 mouths 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.