1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not befitting a fool. 2Like a flitting bird, like a flying swallow, so the curse without cause shall not alight. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the foolÂ’s back. 4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, that he not 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. 7As the legs of the lame hang limp; 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 up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10The Great One who brings forth all things, gives the fool his hire, and the perishing his wages. 11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. 12Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13The sluggard says, There is a lion in the way! A lion is in the streets! 14As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard upon his bed. 15The sluggard hides his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer with taste. 17He who passes by, and crosses over into a quarrel that is not his own, is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death; 19so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, Was I not joking? 20Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21As coals to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22The words of a talebearer are gulped down, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a broken piece of pottery overlaid with silver dross. 24He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself. 25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him; for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26He whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be disclosed before the assembly. 27Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; and he who rolls a stone, it may return upon him. 28A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth brings about ruin.