Proverbs 26 - Revised Standard Version Old Tradition 1952(RSV-C)

1Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,

so honor is not fitting for a fool.

2Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,

a curse that is causeless does not alight.

3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass,

and a rod for the back of fools.

4Answer not a fool according to his folly,

lest you be like him yourself.

5Answer a fool according to his folly,

lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6He who sends a message by the hand of a fool

cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless,

is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8Like one who binds the stone in the sling

is he who gives honor to a fool.

9Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard

is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10Like an archer who wounds everybody

is he who hires a passing fool or drunkard.

11 covering an earthen vessel

are smooth lips with an evil heart.

24He who hates, dissembles with his lips

and harbors deceit in his heart;

25when he speaks graciously, believe him not,

for there are seven abominations in his heart;

26though his hatred be covered with guile,

his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27He who digs a pit will fall into it,

and a stone will come back upon him who starts it rolling.

28A lying tongue hates its victims,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.