Proverbs Chapter 26

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

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse without cause shall not come.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

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

Proverbs Chapter 26

5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, so that he may not be wise in his own eyes.

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

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

8 As he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.

Proverbs Chapter 26

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

10 Great is the Former of all, but he who hires a fool is like one who hires one passing by.

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

12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs Chapter 26

13 The lazy one says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turns upon its hinges, so does the lazy man turn upon his bed.

15 The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a reason.

Proverbs Chapter 26

17 He who passes by enraging himself over strife not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears,

18 or like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death.

19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, Am I not joking?

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, the fighting ceases.

Proverbs Chapter 26

21 As coals to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to kindle fighting.

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 broken piece of pottery with silver waste.

24 He who hates pretends with his lips and stores up deceit within him.

Proverbs Chapter 26

25 When he makes his voice gracious, do not believe him; for seven hateful things are in his heart.

26 He whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shown before the congregation.

27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it; and he who rolls a stone, it will turn back to him.

28 A lying tongue hates those afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs Chapter 26