RV-CE

PROVERBS 26

1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, so the curse that is causeless lighteth not. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools. 4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage. 7The legs of the lame hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8As a bag of gems in a heap of stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the month of fools. 10As an archer that woundeth all, so is he that hireth the fool and he that hireth them that pass by. 11As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is a fool that repeateth his folly. 12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 13The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 14As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the sluggard upon his bed. 15The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth. 16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. 17He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death; 19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? 20For lack of wood the fire goeth out: and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth. 21As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to inflame strife. 22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 23Fervent lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross. 24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him: 25When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart: 26Though his hatred cover itself with guile, his wickedness shall be openly shewed before the congregation. 27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him. 28A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.