1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.
2As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless does not alight.
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools.
4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
6He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet, and drinks in damage.
7The legs of the lame hang loose; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8As one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.
9As a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10As an archer who wounds all, So is he who hires a fool and he who hires those who pass by.
11As a dog that returns to his vomit, So is a fool who repeats his folly.
12Do you see a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13The sluggard says, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.
14As the door turns on its hinges, So does the sluggard on his bed.
15The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men who can give a reason.
17He who passes by, and meddles with strife not belonging to him, Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
18As a madman who casts firebrands, Arrows, and death,
19So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, Am I not joking?
20For lack of wood the fire goes out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceases.
21As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.
22The words of a whisperer are as delicious morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
23Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
24He who hates disguises it with his lips; But he lays up deceit within him:
25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him; For there are seven abominations in his heart:
26Though his hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly shown before the assembly.
27Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it; And he who rolls a stone, it shall come back on him.
28A lying tongue hates those whom it has wounded; And a flattering mouth works ruin.