Proverbs 26
JPS Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)
King James Version with Apocrypha
1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2As the wandering sparrow, as the flying swallow, so the curse that is causeless shall come home.
2As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools.
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh damage.
6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
7The legs hang limp from the lame; so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
7The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8As a small stone in a heap of stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
8As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9As a thorn that cometh into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
9As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10A master performeth all things; but he that stoppeth a fool is as one that stoppeth a flood.
10The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is a fool that repeateth his folly.
11As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
12Seest thou a man wise in his own eyes? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13The sluggard saith: 'There is a lion in the way; yea, a lion is in the streets.'
13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14The door is turning upon its hinges, and the sluggard is still upon his bed.
14As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; it wearieth him to bring it back to his mouth.
15The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men that give wise answer.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife not his own, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
17He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death;
18As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith: 'Am not I in sport?'
19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him.
24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart.
25When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26Though his hatred be concealed with deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the congregation.
26Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.
27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
28A lying tongue hateth those that are crushed by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
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