[1] As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.
[2] Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight.
[3] A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool’s back.
[4] Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
[5] Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
[6] He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
[7] Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
[8] Like one who binds a stone in a sling Is he who gives honor to a fool.
[9] Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
[10] The great God who formed everything Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.
[11] As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.
[12] Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
[13] The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!”
[14] As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed.
[15] The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
[16] The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly.
[17] He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
[18] Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
[19] Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “I was only joking!”
[20] Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
[21] As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
[22] The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
[23] Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
[24] He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself;
[25] When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart;
[26] Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
[27] Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
[28] A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.