1Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor does not become a fool. 2Like the bird by wandering, like the swallow by flying, so a curse without cause does not land. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back. 4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own pride. 6He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks violence. 7As the legs of the lame are not equal so is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8As he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. 9As a thorn goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10The great God who formed all things rewards the fool as well as the sinner with wages. 11As a dog returns to his vomit so a fool returns to his folly. 12See a man wise in his own conceit? »There is more hope for a fool than for him.« 13The lazy man says: »There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.« 14As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. 15The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom. It wearies him to lift it to his mouth. 16The lazy man is wiser in his own conceit than seven men who can answer with good sense. 17He who meddles in someone else’s quarrel is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18This is like a mad man who throws firebrands, arrows, and death. 19So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says: »I was only joking.« 20Without wood the fire goes out. Without a talebearer strife ceases. 21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle disputes. 22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts. 23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a broken pottery covered with silver dross. 24He who hates disguises with his lips, and stores deceit within him. 25When he speaks kind words do not believe him. There are seven abominations in his heart. 26When hatred is covered by deceit, wickedness is revealed to the entire congregation. 27He who digs a pit will fall in it. He who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28A lying tongue hates those afflicted by it and a flattering mouth works ruin.