Similitudes and Instructions

1As dew in harvest, and as rain in summer, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2As birds and sparrows fly, so a curse shall not come upon any one without a cause.

3As a whip for a horse, and a goad for an ass, so is a rod for a simple nation.

4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou become like him.

5Yet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.

6He that sends a message by a foolish messenger procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.

7As well take away the motion of the legs, as transgression from the mouth of fools.

8He that binds up a stone in a sling, is like one that gives glory to a fool.

9Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, and servitude in the hand of fools.

10All the flesh of fools endures much hardship; for their fury is brought to nought.

11As when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, so is fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin. (26:11A) There is a shame that brings sin: and there is a shame that is glory and grace.

12I have seen a man who seemed to himself to be wise; but a fool had more hope than he.

13A sluggard when sent on a journey says, There is a lion in the ways, and there are murderers in the streets.

14As a door turns on the hinge, so does a sluggard on his bed.

15A sluggard having hid his hand in his bosom, will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.

16A sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who most satisfactorily brings back a message.

17As he that lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he that makes himself the champion of another's cause.

18As those who need correction put forth fair words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;

19so are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.

20With much wood fire increases; but where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.

21A hearth for coals, and wood for fire; and railing man for the tumult of strife.

22The words of cunning knaves are soft; but they smite even to the inmost parts of the bowels.

23Silver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd: smooth lips cover a grievous heart.

24A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.

25Though thine enemy intreat thee with a loud voice, consent not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26He that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.

27He that digs a pit for his neighbour shall fall into it: and he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself.

28A lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.