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Proverbs

Chapter 26
1

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

2

As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not.

3

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools.

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 [his own] feet, [and] drinketh in damage.

7

The legs of the lame hang loose: So is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8

As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool.

9

[As] a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10

[As] an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by.

11

As a dog that returneth to his vomit, [So is] a fool that repeateth his folly.

12

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

13

The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.

14

[As] the door turneth upon its hinges, So doth the sluggard upon his bed.

15

The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth 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] vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is [like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18

As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,

19

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?

20

For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.

21

[As] coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.

22

The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.

23

Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are [like] an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.

24

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him:

25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart:

26

Though [his] hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.

27

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.

28

A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.