1Like snow in summer, and rain in harvest, So esteem is not fitting for a fool.

2As a bird wanders, as a swallow flies about, So a curse without cause does not come.

3A whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey, And a rod for the fool’s back.

4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also become like him.

5Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he become wise in his own eyes.

6He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off feet, drinks damage.

7The legs of the lame hang limp So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8Like one binding a stone in a sling, So is he who gives esteem to a fool.

9A thorn goes into the hand of a drunkard So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10An archer who wounds anyone, Is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.

11As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.

12Have you seen a man wise in his own eyes? There is more expectancy for a fool than for him.

13The lazy one says, “There is a lion in the way! A fierce lion is in the streets!”

14As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy one turn on his bed.

15The lazy one buries his hand in a dish; It tires him to bring it back to his mouth.

16The lazy one is wiser in his own eyes Than seven rendering advice.

17A passer-by meddling in a strife not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18Like a madman who throws sparks, arrows, and death,

19So is a man who deceived his neighbour, And says, “I was only joking!”

20For lack of wood, the fire goes out. And without a slanderer, strife ceases.

21As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22The words of a slanderer are as dainty morsels, Which go down into the inner parts of the heart.

23Burning lips with an evil heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

24He who hates, pretends with his lips, And lays up deceit within him;

25Though he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart.

26Hatred is covered by deceit. His evil is disclosed in the assembly.

27Whoever digs a pit falls into it, And whoever rolls a stone, it turns back on him.

28A lying tongue hates its bruised ones, And a flattering mouth works ruin.