1As snow in summer , and as rain in harvest , So honor is not seemly for a fool . 2As the sparrow in her wandering , as the swallow in her flying , So the curse that is causeless alighteth 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 one that bindeth a stone in a sling , So is he that giveth honor to a fool . 9As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard , So is a parable in the mouth of fools . 10As an archer that woundeth all , So is he that hireth a 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 .
The Sluggard's Ways
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 .
The Deceitful Tongue
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 neighbor , 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 . 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 showed before the assembly . 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 .