1As snow in summer , and as rain in harvest , so honour is not seemly for a fool . 2As the bird by wandering , as the swallow by flying , so the curse causeless shall not come . 3A whip for the horse , a bridle for the ass , and a rod for the fool’s back . 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 the feet , and drinketh damage . 7The legs of the lame are not equal : so is a parable in the mouth of fools . 8As he that bindeth a stone in a sling , so is he that giveth honour to a fool . 9As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard , so is a parable in the mouth of fools . 10The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool , and rewardeth transgressors . 11As a dog returneth to his vomit , so a fool returneth to 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 slothful man saith , There is a lion in the way ; a lion is in the streets . 14As the door turneth upon his hinges , so doth the slothful upon his bed . 15The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom ; it grieveth 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 meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears . 18As a mad man who casteth firebrands , arrows , and death , 19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour , and saith , Am not I in sport ? 20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out : so where there is no talebearer , the strife ceaseth . 21As coals are to burning coals , and wood to fire ; so is a contentious man to kindle strife . 22The words of a talebearer are as wounds , and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly . 23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross . 24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips , and layeth up deceit within him; 25When he speaketh fair , believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart . 26Whose hatred is covered by deceit , his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation . 27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone , it will return upon him. 28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin .