Proverbs 26

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.s

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.s7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.s8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.s9 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.s11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.s12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.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.s16 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.s

18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,s19 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.sss21 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.s23 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;s25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.s26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.s27 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.

Proverbs 27

1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.s2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.s4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?ss

5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.s7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.s8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.s10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.s21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.s24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?ss25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.s

Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.s3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.s4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.s8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.s9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.s12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.s13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.s21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.s23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.s25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.