THE
BOOK OF PROVERBS
Proverbs 26
1
¶ Like snow in summer, and rain in harvest, honor is
not appropriate for a fool.
2
¶ Like a wandering sparrow, and a flying swallow, a
curse will not come without a reason.
3
¶ A whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey, and a rod
for the back of fools.
4
¶ Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you
will be like him.
5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own conceit.
6
¶ He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his feet, and
drinks in damage.
7
A proverb in the mouth of a fool, is like lame legs
that hang useless.
8
One who gives honor to a fool, is like one who ties a
stone in a sling.
9
A proverb in the mouth of a fools, is like a thorn
going into the hand of a drunkard.
10
¶ The great God who formed all things
rewards both the fool, and transgressors.
11
¶ As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool
returns to his folly.
12
¶ Do you see a man who is wise in his own conceit? there
is more hope for a fool than for him.
13
¶ A slothful man says, There is a lion
in the road; a lion is in the streets.
14
¶ A door turns on its hinges, and a slothful man turns
on his bed.
15
¶ The slothful man rests his hand on his
chest; and it grieves him to bring it back to his mouth.
16
¶ A sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than
seven men who answer intelligently.
17
¶ He who passes by, and meddles in someone else’s argument, is
like one who pulls a dog’s ears.
18
¶ Like a madman who shoots flaming darts, and deadly arrows,
19
So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, I was only
joking.
20
¶ When there is no wood, a fire goes out: and when there
is no talebearer, a quarrel dies down.
21
As charcoal is to embers, and wood to fire; so is
a contentious man for kindling strife.
22
The words of a talebearer are like choice food, and they go down into
one’s innermost being.
23
¶ Smooth lips that conceal a wicked heart are like a clay vessel
covered with silver dross.
24
¶ One filled with hate disguises it with his lips, but
harbors deceit within himself;
25
When he speaks graciously, do not trust him: for there are seven
abominations in his heart.
26
His hatred is deceitfully hidden, but his wickedness will be revealed
before the entire community.
27
¶ One who digs a pit will fall into it: and whoever
rolls a stone, may have it come back on him.
28
¶ A lying tongue hates those who suffer because of it; and a flattering
mouth causes ruin.