Proverbs 26

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

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not suitable for a fool.

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

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.

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.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

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.

He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage.

7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.

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.

As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives 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.

As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

10 The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors.

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.

As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

See you 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.

The slothful man says, 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.

As the door turns upon his hinges, so does the slothful upon his bed.

15 The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves 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.

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.

He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

So is the man that deceives his neighbour, and says, Am not I in sport?

20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.

21 [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife.

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.

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.

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;

He that hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;

25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

When he speaks 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.

Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

Whoso digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.