Prov 26
1
As dew in harvest, and as rain in summer, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2
As birds and sparrows fly, so a curse shall not come upon any one without a cause.
3
As a whip for a horse, and a goad for an ass, so is a rod for a simple nation.
4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you become like him.
5
Yet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.
6
He who sends a message by a foolish messenger procures for himself a reproach from
his own ways.
7
As well take away the motion of the legs, as transgression from the mouth of fools.
8
He who binds up a stone in a sling, is like one that gives glory to a fool.
9
Thorns Compare Heb. grow in the hand of a drunkard, and servitude in the hand of fools.
10
Great variation from Hebrew here All the flesh of fools endures much hardship; for their fury is brought to nothing.
11
As when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, so is fool who returns
in his wickedness to his own sin. (26:11AA) There is a shame that brings sin: and there is a shame that is glory and grace.
12
I have seen a man who seemed Gr. by to himself to be wise; but a fool had more hope than he.
13
A sluggard when sent on a journey says, There is a lion in the ways, and there are
murderers in the streets.
14
As a door turns on the hinge, so does a sluggard on his bed.
15
A sluggard having hid his hand in his bosom, will not be able to bring it up to his
mouth.
16
A sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who Compare Heb. most satisfactorily brings back a message.
17
As he who lays hold of a dog’s tail, so is he who makes himself the champion of another’s
cause.
18
As those who need correction put forth fair words to men, and he who first falls in
with the proposal will be overthrown;
19
so are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say,
I did it in jest.
20
With much wood fire increases; but where there is not a double-minded man, strife
ceases.
21
A hearth for coals, and wood for fire; and railing man for the tumult of strife.
22
The words of cunning knaves are soft; but they smite even to the inmost parts of the
bowels.
23
Silver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd: smooth lips cover a grievous
heart.
24
A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.
25
Though your enemy intreat you with a loud voice, consent not: for there are seven
abominations in his heart.
26
He who hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins
in the public assemblies.
27
He who digs a pit for his neighbour shall fall into it: and he who rolls a stone,
rolls it upon himself.
28
A lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.