Proverbs 26:1-28 NASB

[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 come to rest. [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 foolishness, Or you will also be like him. [5] Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves, So that he will not be wise in his own eyes. [6] One who sends a message by the hand of a fool Chops off his own feet and drinks violence. [7] Like useless legs to one who cannot walk, So is a proverb in the mouths of fools. [8] Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is one who gives honor to a fool. [9] Like a thorn that sticks in the hand of a heavy drinker, So is a proverb in the mouths of fools. [10] Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is one who hires a fool or hires those who pass by. [11] Like a dog that returns to its vomit, So is a fool who repeats his foolishness. [12] Do you see a person wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. [13] A lazy one says, “There is a lion on the road! A lion is in the public square!” [14] As the door turns on its hinges, So does a lazy one on his bed. [15] A lazy one buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again. [16] A lazy one is wiser in his own eyes Than seven people who can give a discreet answer. [17] Like one who takes a dog by the ears, So is one who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him. [18] Like a maniac who shoots Flaming arrows, arrows, and death, [19] So is a person who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Was I not joking?” [20] For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no gossiper, quarreling quiets down. [21] Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious person to kindle strife. [22] The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. [23] Like an earthenware vessel overlaid with silver impurities Are burning lips and a wicked heart. [24] One who hates disguises it with his lips, But he harbors deceit in his heart. [25] When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, Because there are seven abominations in his heart. [26] Though his hatred covers itself with deception, His wickedness will be revealed in the assembly. [27] One who digs a pit will fall into it, And one who rolls a stone, it will come back on him. [28] A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.