Proverbs 26:1-28 NASBS

[1] Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. [2] Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, So a curse without cause does not alight. [3] A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools. [4] Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him. [5] Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes. [6] He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool. [7] Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools. [8] Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool. [9] Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools. [10] Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by. [11] Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly. [12] Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. [13] The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!" [14] As the door turns on its hinges, So does the sluggard on his bed. [15] The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again. [16] The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer. [17] Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him. [18] Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death, [19] So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "Was I not joking?" [20] For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down. [21] Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. [22] The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. [23] Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart. [24] He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart. [25] When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart. [26] Though his hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. [27] He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him. [28] A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.