The Online Library of Liberty

A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.

• The Proverbs. (a. V.)
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• 31

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.

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh ∥ damage.

7 The legs of the lame † are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8∥ As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9As 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.

11* As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool † returneth to his folly.

12 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.

14As 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.

16 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.

18 As a mad man who casteth † firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 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.

21*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.

23 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;

25 When he † speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26Whose∥ hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

27* 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.

[* ] Ps. 32. 9. ch. 10 13.

[† ] Heb. his own eyes.

[∥ ] Or, violence.

[† ] Heb. are lifted up.

[∥ ] Or, As he that putteth a precious stone in an heap of stones.

[∥ ] Or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors.

[* ] 2 Pet. 2. 22.

[† ] Heb. iterateth his folly.

[* ] ch. 22. 13.

[* ] ch. 19. 24

[∥ ] Or, he is weary.

[∥ ] Or, is enraged.

[† ] Heb. flames, or, sparks.

[† ] Heb. Without wood.

[* ] ch. 22. 10.

[∥ ] Or, whisperor.

[† ] Heb. is silent.

[* ] ch 15. 18 & 29 22.

[* ] ch. 18. 8.

[† ] Heb. chambers.

[∥ ] Or, is known.

[† ] Heb. maketh his voice gracious.

[∥ ] Or, hatred is covered in secret.

[* ] Ps. 7. 15, 16 & 9. 15. Eccles. 10 8.