Proverbs 26:1-28 MEV

[1] As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool. [2] As the bird by flitting, as the swallow by flying, so the curse without cause will 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 unto him. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. [6] He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet and drinks violence. [7] The legs of the lame are not equal; so is a parable in the mouth of fools. [8] As he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. [9] As a thorn goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. [10] The great God who formed all things rewards the fool and rewards the transgressor. [11] As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. [12] Do you see a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him. [13] The slothful man says, "There is a lion in the way! A lion is in the streets!" [14] As the door turns upon his hinges, so does the slothful upon his bed. [15] The slothful buries his hand in his bowl; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth. [16] The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men who can answer reasonably. [17] He who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him is like one who takes a dog by the ears. [18] As a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death, [19] so is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, "I was only joking." [20] Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; so where there is no talebearer, the 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 as wounds, and go down into the innermost parts of the body. [23] Burning lips and a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. [24] He who hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him; [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 shown before the whole congregation. [27] Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will return upon him. [28] A lying tongue hates those who are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.