Proverbs 26 · משלי

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

Like a wandering sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse that is causeless comes home to roost.

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

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest thou become like him thyself.

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

He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet, and drinks in damage.

Like the legs of a lame man which hang useless, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honour to a fool.

Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

A master craftsman performs everything; but he who hires a fool is as he who hires the passersby.

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

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

The lazy man says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

As the doors turns on its hinges, so does the slothful upon his bed.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it grieves him to bring it back to his mouth.

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men that can give sensible reasons.

He who passes by, and meddles with a strife not his own, is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

As a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

so is a man who tricks his neighbour, and says, But I was only joking!

Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

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

The words of a talebearer are like dainties, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

Burning lips and a wicked heart are like an earthenware dish covered with silver dross.

He who hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;

when he speaks fair, do not believe him: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

He whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the whole congregation.

The one who digs a pit shall fall into it: and if one rolls a stone, it will return upon him.

A lying tongue hates its victims; and a flattering mouth works ruin.