Verse 1
Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.
Verse 2
Like a fluttering sparrow, Like a darting swallow, So the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.
Verse 3
A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools!
Verse 4
Don't answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
Verse 5
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Verse 6
One who sends a message by the hand of a fool Is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
Verse 7
Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Verse 8
As one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.
Verse 9
Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Verse 10
As an archer who wounds all, So is he who hires a fool Or he who hires those who pass by.
Verse 11
As a dog that returns to his vomit, So is a fool who repeats his folly.
Verse 12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Verse 13
The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!"
Verse 14
As the door turns on its hinges, So does the sluggard on his bed.
Verse 15
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
Verse 16
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who answer with discretion.
Verse 17
Like one who grabs a dog's ears Is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Verse 18
Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,
Verse 19
Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"
Verse 20
For lack of wood a fire goes out; Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
Verse 21
As coals are to hot embers, And wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindling strife.
Verse 22
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, They go down into the innermost parts.
Verse 23
Like silver dross on an earthen vessel Are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
Verse 24
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, But he harbors evil in his heart.
Verse 25
When his speech is charming, don't believe him; For there are seven abominations in his heart:
Verse 26
His malice may be concealed by deception, But his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Verse 27
Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
Verse 28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts; And a flattering mouth works ruin.