Chapter 26

  Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.  

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  Like a fluttering sparrow, Like a darting swallow, So the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.  

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  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools!  

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  Don't answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.  

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  Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.  

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  One who sends a message by the hand of a fool Is cutting off feet and drinking violence.  

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  Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: So is a parable in the mouth of fools.  

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  As one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.  

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  Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.  

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  As an archer who wounds all, So is he who hires a fool Or he who hires those who pass by.  

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  As a dog that returns to his vomit, So is a fool who repeats his folly.  

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  Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.  

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  The sluggard says, 'There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!'  

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  As the door turns on its hinges, So does the sluggard on his bed.  

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  The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.  

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  The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who answer with discretion.  

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  Like one who seizes a dog's ears Is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.  

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  Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,  

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  Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'Am I not joking?'  

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  For lack of wood the fire goes out; Where there is no gossip, a quarrel dies down.  

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  As coals are to hot embers, And wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.  

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  The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, They go down into the innermost parts.  

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  Like silver dross on an earthen vessel Are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.  

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  A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, But he harbors evil in his heart.  

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  When his speech is charming, don't believe him; For there are seven abominations in his heart:  

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  His malice may be concealed by deception, But his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.  

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  Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.  

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  A lying tongue hates those it hurts; And a flattering mouth works ruin.  

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