1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor does not become a fool.

2 Like the bird by wandering, like the swallow by flying, so a curse without cause does not land.

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

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own pride.

6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks violence.

7 As the legs of the lame are not equal so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8 As he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.

9 As a thorn goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10 The great God who formed all things rewards the fool as well as the sinner with wages.

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

12 See a man wise in his own conceit? »There is more hope for a fool than for him.«

13 The lazy man says: »There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.«

14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed.

15 The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom. It wearies him to lift it to his mouth.

16 The lazy man is wiser in his own conceit than seven men who can answer with good sense.

17 He who meddles in someone else’s quarrel is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18 This is like a mad man who throws firebrands, arrows, and death.

19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says: »I was only joking.«

20 Without wood the fire goes out. Without a talebearer strife ceases.

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

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

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

24 He who hates disguises with his lips, and stores deceit within him.

25 When he speaks kind words do not believe him. There are seven abominations in his heart.

26 When hatred is covered by deceit, wickedness is revealed to the entire congregation.

27 He who digs a pit will fall in it. He who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those afflicted by it and a flattering mouth works ruin.