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