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The Proverbs

⭑ King James Version 1769 including Apocrypha ⭑

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- Chapter 26 -

The fool and his folly

1
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.(a)
6
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.(b)
7
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.(c)
8
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.(d)
9
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.(e)
11
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.(f)
12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

The lazy and the lying tongue

13
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.(g)
16
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.(h)
18
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,(i)
19
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.(j) (k) (l)
21
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.(m)
23
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;(n)
25
When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.(o)
26
Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.(p)
27
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
28
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Footnotes

(a)26:5 conceit: Heb. eyes
(b)26:6 damage: or, violence
(c)26:7 are…: Heb. are lifted up
(d)26:8 bindeth…: or, putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones
(e)26:10 The great…: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors
(f)26:11 returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly
(g)26:15 it grieveth…: or, he is weary
(h)26:17 meddleth: or, is enraged
(i)26:18 firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks
(j)26:20 Where no…: Heb. Without wood
(k)26:20 talebearer: or, whisperer
(l)26:20 ceaseth: Heb. is silent
(m)26:22 innermost…: Heb. chambers
(n)26:24 dissembleth: or, is known
(o)26:25 speaketh…: Heb. maketh his voice gracious
(p)26:26 by…: or, in secret
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