Proverbs Chapter 26

1    AS snow in summer and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8    As he that bindeth a stone in a sling so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

15    The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom;  it grieveth 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 that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

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

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

20    Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:  so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Proverbs Chapter 26 - KJV