1 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,So glory is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a sparrow inits 26:2 Lit wandering flitting, like a swallow in flying,So a curse without cause does not cometo pass.
3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,And a rod for the back of fools.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,Lest you yourself also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6 He cuts offhis ownfeetanddrinks violenceWho sends words by the hand of a fool.
7 Likethe legswhichhang limp on the lame,So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8 Like 26:8Lit the binding of one who binds a stone in a sling,So is he who gives glory to a fool.
9 Likea thornwhichgoes up into the hand of a drunkard,So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10 26:10Or A master workman produces all things, But he who hires a fool is like one who hires those who pass by Likean archer who wounds everyone,So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.
11 Like a dog that returns to its vomitIs a fool who repeats 26:11Lit with his his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a fierce lion in the road!A lion is 26:13Lit within among the streets!”
14 Asthe door turns on its hinges,Sodoesthe sluggard on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;He istooweary to return it to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyesThan seven men who can respond with a discreet answer.
17 Likeone who seizes a dog by the earsIs he who passes byandbecomes passionate about strife not belonging to him.
18 Like a madman who shootsFirebrands, arrows, and death,
19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor,And says, “Am I not joking?”
20 With no wood the fire goes out,And where there is no whisperer, strife quiets down.
21 Likecharcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,And they go down into the innermost parts of the stomach.
23 Likean earthen vessel overlaid with silver drossAre fiery lips and an evil heart.
24 He who hates disguisesitwith his lips,But he sets up deceit within himself.
25 When he makes his voice gracious, do not believe him,For there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Though hishatred covers itself with guile,His evil will be revealed in the assembly.
27 He who digs a pit will fall into it,And he who rolls a stone, it will turn back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates 26:28Lit its crushed ones those it crushes,And a flattering mouth works ruin.