Proverbs 26

1 Like snowfall in summer or rain at harvest time, so honor is inappropriate for a fool.ISV — Proverbs 26:1

2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a swallow in flight, a curse without cause will not alight.ISV — Proverbs 26:2

3 A whip is for the horses, a bridle is for the donkey, a rod is for the back of fools.ISV — Proverbs 26:3

4 Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will be just like him.ISV — Proverbs 26:4

5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he will think himself to be wise.ISV — Proverbs 26:5

6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own ^{a26:6 The Heb. lacks his own} feet and drinks violence.ISV — Proverbs 26:6

7 Useless legs to the lame— that’s what a proverb quoted by a fool is.ISV — Proverbs 26:7

8 Tying a stone to a sling— that’s what giving honor to a fool is.ISV — Proverbs 26:8

9 A thorn in the hand of a drunkard— that’s what a proverb quoted by a fool is.ISV — Proverbs 26:9

10 An archer who shoots at anyone— is like someone who hires a fool or anyone who passes by.ISV — Proverbs 26:10

11 A dog that returns to its vomit is like a fool who reverts to his folly.ISV — Proverbs 26:11

12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own opinion? There’s more hope for a fool than for him.ISV — Proverbs 26:12

13 The lazy person claims, “There is a lion in the road! There’s a lion in the streets!”ISV — Proverbs 26:13

14 The door turns on its hinges— as does the lazy person on his bed.ISV — Proverbs 26:14

15 The lazy person buries his hand in the dish, but he’s too tired to bring it to his mouth again.ISV — Proverbs 26:15

16 The lazy person is wiser in his own opinion than seven men who can give an appropriate response.ISV — Proverbs 26:16

17 Picking up a dog by the ears— that’s what someone is like who ^{b26:17 Lit. who, as he is passing by,} meddles in another’s fight.ISV — Proverbs 26:17

18 Like the maniac who shoots fiery darts and deadly arrows—ISV — Proverbs 26:18

19 that’s what someone is like who lies to his neighbor and then says, “I was joking, wasn’t I?”ISV — Proverbs 26:19

20 Without wood, the fire goes out. Without a gossip, contention stops.ISV — Proverbs 26:20

21 Charcoal is to hot coals as wood is to fire; so also a quarrelsome man fuels strife.ISV — Proverbs 26:21

22 The words of a gossip are like delicate morsels; they sink down deep within.ISV — Proverbs 26:22

23 A clay vessel plated with a thin veneer of silver— that’s what smooth ^{c26:23 So LXX; MT reads burning} lips with a wicked heart are.ISV — Proverbs 26:23

24 Someone who hates hides behind his words, harboring deceit within himself.ISV — Proverbs 26:24

25 Though he speaks graciously, don’t believe him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart.ISV — Proverbs 26:25

26 Though malice disguises itself with deception, its evil will be exposed publicly.ISV — Proverbs 26:26

27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and the stone will come back on whoever starts it rolling.ISV — Proverbs 26:27

28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.ISV — Proverbs 26:28