Chapter 26

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

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

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

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

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

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  He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.  

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

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  As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honor to a fool.  

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

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

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

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

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  The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.  

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  As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.  

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

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  The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.  

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  He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.  

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  As a mad man who casteth fire-brands, arrows, and death,  

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  So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport?  

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  Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no tale-bearer, the strife ceaseth.  

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

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  The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.  

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  Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.  

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  He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;  

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

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

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  Whoever diggeth a pit shall fall into it: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.  

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

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