Proverbs 26

CLV(i) 1 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So glory is not comely for the stupid one." 2 Like the sparrow in its flitting, like the swallow in its flying, So a gratuitous malediction does not come to rest." 3 A whip for a horse, a bit for a donkey, And a club for the body of the stupid." 4 Do not answer a stupid man according to his folly, Lest you should become equal to him, even you." 5 Answer a stupid man according to his folly, Lest he should become wise in his own eyes." 6 He cuts away his feet, drinks violence, Who sends words by the hand of a stupid person." 7 The legs of a lame man are impoverished; So also a proverb in the mouth of the stupid. 8 Like tying up a stone in a slingshot, So is the giving of glory to the stupid one." 9 As a thistle comes up to the hand of a drunkard, So also a proverb to the mouth of the stupid." 10 Much travails forth all the more, Yet the hire of the stupid person and his hirer shall pass away." 11 As a cur returns to its vomit, So a stupid man repeats his folly." 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more expectation for a stupid man than for him. 13 The slothful man says, There is a black lion in the road, A lion in the square!" 14 The door turns about on its hinges, And the slothful one on his couch." 15 The slothful man buries his hand into the dinner-bowl; He is too tired to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The slothful man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who reply with discretion. 17 One who holds a cur fast by its ears Is the passer by who trespasses upon a contention not belonging to him. 18 Like a frantic man who shoots firebrands, arrows and death, 19 So is the man who deceives his associate And then says, Did I not make good sport? 20 When the wood reaches its limit, a fire is quenched, And when there is no babbler, a quarrel calms down." 21 Coal for embers and wood for fire, And a quarrelsome man to heat a contention." 22 The words of a babbler are like tidbits; They descend to the chambers of one's belly. 23 Silver dross overlaying earthenware, Such are slick lips when the heart is evil." 24 With his lips, one who hates dissembles, Yet within him he firmly sets deceit;" 25 When his voice sounds generous, do not believe him, For seven abhorrences are in his heart." 26 One's hatred can be covered by guile, But his evil shall be revealed in the assembly." 27 He who digs a pit shall fall into it, And he who rolls a stone, it shall turn back upon him." 28 A false tongue hates those crushed by it, And a slick mouth works degradation."