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1 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 mouth 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.
* 26:5 conceit: Heb. eyes † 26:6 damage: or, violence ‡ 26:7 are…: Heb. are lifted up § 26:8 bindeth…: or, putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones ** 26:10 The great…: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors †† 26:11 returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly ‡‡ 26:15 it grieveth…: or, he is weary §§ 26:17 meddleth: or, is enraged *** 26:18 firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks ††† 26:20 Where no…: Heb. Without wood ‡‡‡ 26:20 talebearer: or, whisperer §§§ 26:20 ceaseth: Heb. is silent * 26:22 innermost…: Heb. chambers † 26:24 dissembleth: or, is known ‡ 26:25 speaketh…: Heb. maketh his voice gracious § 26:26 by…: or, in secret