Proverbs of Solomon 26

 Proverbs of Solomon 26

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

2 As a bird in its wandering, as a swallow in its flight, so a curse without cause will not come.

3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be wise in his own eyes.

6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his feet and drinks damage.

7 As the legs of a lame man that hang limp, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8 As one who binds a precious stone in a sling is one who gives honor to a fool. 

9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10 Like a beast that frightens everyone, so is he who hires fools and transgressors.

11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.

12 Have you seen a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

13 The lazy man says, "A lion is in the way; a lion is in the streets."

14 As a door turns on its hinges, so a lazy man in his bed.

15 The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom; he is weary to put it to his mouth.

16 A lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a good reason.

17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 

18 Like a madman who throws out sparks, arrows, and destruction,

19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, "I did it in jest."

20 Without wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no gossip, strife ceases.

21 As coals are to embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels that go down into the inmost parts of the belly.

23 Like a potsherd covered with silver dross are burning lips and a wicked heart.

24 He who hates dissembles with his lips, but inwardly he conceals deceit.

25 When he makes supplication to you with his voice, do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart. 

26 Though their hatred is covered by deceit, their malice will be revealed in the congregation.

27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it has amazed, and a flattering mouth works ruin.