Proverbs

Proverbs 26 ©

Various maxims and observations of Solomon, collected by the men of Hezekiah, about kings, and other subjects of both private and public concern.

1

AS asnow in summer, and as rain in harvest, bso honour is not seemly for a fool.

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

gAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in 1his own *conceit.

6

He hthat sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh 2damage.

7

The legs of the lame 3are not equal: iso is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8

4As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, jso is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9

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

k v.7.
10

5The great God that formed all things lboth rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

11

As ma dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool 6returneth to his folly.

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

The qslothful hideth his hand in his bosom; 7it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16

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

17

He sthat passeth by, and 8meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18

As a mad man who casteth 9firebrands, arrows, and death,

19

tSo is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20

10Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so uwhere there is no 11talebearer, the strife 12ceaseth.

21

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

22

The wwords of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the 13innermost parts of the belly.

23

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

24

He that hateth 14dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

25

yWhen he 15speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26

Whose 16hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

27

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

28

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

a Es. 3.5.