Proverbs
Summary
Provides multiple comparisons of a fool's behavior and the dangers of laziness and backbiting. It famously compares a dog returning to its vomit with a fool returning to his folly. It also addresses the destructive nature of the talebearer and the deceitful flatterer.
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 you also be like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage.
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honour to a fool.
As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors.
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
Do you see a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
The slothful man says, "There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets."
As the door turns upon its hinges, so does the slothful upon his bed.
The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.
As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,
So is the man that deceives his neighbour, and says, "Am not I in sport?"
Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
He that hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;
When he speaks fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shown before the whole congregation.
Whoever digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him.
A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.