Proverbs 26:1-28 NKJV

[1] As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. [2] Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight. [3] A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool's back. [4] 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 eyes. [6] He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. [7] Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. [8] Like one who binds a stone in a sling Is he who gives honor to a fool. [9] Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. [10] The great God who formed everything Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages. [11] As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool 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 lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!" [14] As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed. [15] The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. [16] The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. [17] He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears. [18] Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, [19] Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "I was only joking!" [20] Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. [21] As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. [22] The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. [23] Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross. [24] He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; [25] When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart; [26] Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. [27] Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. [28] A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.