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