Proverbs 26
Fools are not deserving of honor and should not be answered according to their foolishness, lest one becomes like them. However, fools should be answered in a way that corrects their folly, lest they think themselves wise. A fool's words are like a thorn to the hand of a drunkard, and their actions are self-destructive. The slothful and the sluggard are also condemned for their laziness and self-deception. The chapter also warns against meddling in others' strife, deceiving neighbors, and being a talebearer, as these actions can kindle strife and cause harm.
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
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