Proverbs 26:1–12

Similitudes, Instructions

1 Like snow in summer and like arain in harvest,

So honor is not bfitting for a fool.

2 Like a asparrow in its 1flitting, like a swallow in its flying,

So a bcurse without cause does not 2alight.

3 A awhip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,

And a brod for the back of fools.

4 aDo not answer a fool according to his folly,

Or you will also be like him.

5 aAnswer a fool as his folly deserves,

That he not be bwise in his own eyes.

6 He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence

Who sends a message by the hand of a fool.

7 Like the legs which 1are useless to the lame,

So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8 Like 1one who binds a stone in a sling,

So is he who gives honor to a fool.

9 Like a thorn which 1falls into the hand of a drunkard,

So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10 1Like an archer who wounds everyone,

So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.

11 Like aa dog that returns to its vomit

Is a fool who brepeats 1his folly.

12 Do you see a man awise in his own eyes?

bThere is more hope for a fool than for him.