1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not proper 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 donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back.

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

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

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

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

8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. bindeth…: or, putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones

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. The great…: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth 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 the door turneth upon its 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. it grieveth…: or, he is weary

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. meddleth: or, is enraged

18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks

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. Where no…: Heb. Without woodtalebearer: or, whispererceaseth: Heb. is silent

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. innermost…: Heb. chambers

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

24 He that hateth disguiseth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; dissembleth: or, is known

25 When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. speaketh…: Heb. maketh his voice gracious

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the whole congregation. by…: or, in secret

27 Whoever diggeth a pit shall fall into it: 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.