Proverbs 26

Contrasting proverbs address the fool (honor is not fitting for him, and answering him requires discernment), the sluggard who turns on his bed like a door on its hinges, and the danger of deceit, gossip, and flattering lips. The meddler, the tale-bearer, and the man who hides hatred behind fair words are all exposed.

v	King James Version	Modern English
1	As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.	Like snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
2	As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.	Like the bird that wanders and the swallow in flight, so a causeless curse will not come to rest.
3	A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.	A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back.
4	Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.	Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
5	Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.	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 the feet, and drinketh damage.	He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks damage.
7	The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.	The legs of the lame are not equal, and so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8	As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.	Like one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
9	As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.	Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10	The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.	The great God Who formed all things rewards both the fool and the transgressors.
11	As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.	As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
12	Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.	Do you see a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13	The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.	The slothful man says, "There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets!"
14	As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.	As the door turns on its hinges, so does the slothful on his bed.
15	The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.	The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves 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.	The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men who can give a reason.
17	He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.	He who passes by and meddles in a strife not belonging to him is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
18	As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,	Like a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,
19	So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?	so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not in sport?"
20	Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.	Where there is no wood, the fire goes out, and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
21	As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.	As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man for kindling strife.
22	The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.	The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go down to the innermost parts of the belly.
23	Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.	Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24	He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;	He who hates disguises it with his lips and stores up deceit within him;
25	When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.	when he speaks fair words, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26	Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.	Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be shown before the whole congregation.
27	Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.	Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will return on him.
28	A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.	A lying tongue hates those who are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.