Proverbs 26

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.