(KJV) Proverbs 26¹

⥃Similitudes and Instructions

[1] As snow in summer², and as rain in harvest, so³ honour is not seemly for a fool. [2] As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so⁴ 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.⁵⁶ [4] Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.⁷ [5] Answer a fool⁸ according to his folly, lest⁹ he be wise in his own conceit¹⁰. [6] He that sendeth¹¹ a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, [and] drinketh damage¹². [7] The legs of the lame are not equal¹³: so¹⁴ [is] a parable in the mouth of fools. [8] As he that bindeth a stone in a sling¹⁵, so¹⁶ [is] he that giveth honour to a fool.¹⁷ [9] [As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.¹⁸ [10] The great¹⁹ [God] that formed all [things] both²⁰ rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. [11] As a dog²¹ returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly²². [12] Seest²³ thou a man²⁴ 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.²⁵ [14] [As] the door turneth upon his hinges, so [doth] the slothful upon his bed.²⁶ [15] The slothful²⁷ hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him²⁸ to bring it again to his mouth. [16] The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.²⁹ [17] He that passeth³⁰ by, [and] meddleth³¹ with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears. [18] As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands³², arrows³³, and death, [19] So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and³⁴ saith, Am not I in sport? [20] Where no wood is³⁵, [there] the fire goeth out: so³⁶ where [there is] no talebearer³⁷, the strife ceaseth³⁸. [21] [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife.³⁹ [22] The words⁴⁰ of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts⁴¹ of the belly. [23] Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.⁴²⁴³ [24] He that hateth dissembleth⁴⁴ with his lips, and layeth up deceit⁴⁵ within him; [25] When he speaketh fair⁴⁶, believe⁴⁷ him not: for [there are] seven⁴⁸ abominations in his heart. [26] [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit⁴⁹, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation. [27] Whoso diggeth⁵⁰ a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. [28] A lying⁵¹ tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering⁵² mouth worketh ruin.