1
As dew in harvest, and as rain in summer, So honor is not seemly for a fool.
2
As birds and sparrows fly, So a curse shall not come upon anyone without a cause.
3
As a whip for a horse, and a goad for an ass, So is a rod for a simple nation.
4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou become like him.
5
Yet answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he seem wise in his own conceit.
6
He that sends a message by a foolish messenger Procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.
7
As well take away the motion of the legs, As transgression from the mouth of fools.
8
He that binds up a stone in a sling, Is like one that gives glory to a fool.
9
Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, And servitude in the hand of fools.
10
All the flesh of fools endures much hardship; For their fury is brought to nought.
11
As when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, So is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin. And there is a shame that is glory and grace.
12
But a fool had more hope than he.
13
There is a lion in the ways, And there are murderers in the streets.
14
So does a sluggard on his bed.
15
Will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.
16
Than one who most satisfactorily brings back a message.
17
So is he that makes himself the champion of another’s cause.
18
fair words to men, And he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;
19
And when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.
20
But where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.
21
And a railing man for the tumult of strife.
22
But they smite even to the inmost parts of the bowels.
23
Smooth lips cover a grievous heart.
24
But in his heart he contrives deceit.
25
thine enemy entreat thee with a loud voice, consent not: For there are seven abominations in his heart.
26
Exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.
27
And he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself.
28
And an unguarded mouth causes tumults.