Prov 26

1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not seemly for a fool. 2 As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alights not. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like to him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off [his own] feet, [and] drinks in damage. 7 The legs of the lame hang loose: So is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As one that binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool. 9 [As] a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 [As] an archer that wounds all, So is he who hires a fool and he who hires them that pass by. 11 As a dog that returns to his vomit, [So is] a fool that repeats his folly. 12 See you a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. 13 The sluggard 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 sluggard upon his bed. 15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; It wearies 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 who passes by, [and] vexes himself with strife belonging not to him, Is [like] one that takes a dog by the ears. 18 As a madman who casts firebrands, Arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceives his neighbor, And says, Am not I in sport? 20 For lack of wood the fire goes out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceases. 21 [As] coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife. 22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 23 Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are [like] an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross. 24 He who hates dissembles with his lips; But he lays up deceit within him: 25 When he speaks fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart: 26 Though [his] hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly. 27 Whoso digs a pit shall fall therein; And he who rolls a stone, it shall return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hates those whom it has wounded; And a flattering mouth works ruin.