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26:1  Like snow in the summer or rain during the harvest, honor does not befit a fool.
26:2  Like a fluttering sparrow or a swallow in flight, an undeserved curse will never reach home.
26:3  Use a whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey, and a stick for the back of fools.
26:4  Do not reply to a fool in the terms of his folly or you yourself may become a fool like him.
26:5  Reply to a fool in the terms of his folly or he will consider himself wise.
26:6  Like cutting off one’s foot or submitting to violence is sending a message by a fool.
26:7  Like the legs of a lame man dangling helplessly is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
26:8  Like tying a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
26:9  Like a thorn branch brandished by a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
26:10  Like an archer who wounds all who pass by is one who hires a fool or a drunkard.
26:11  As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool reverts to his folly.
26:12  Do you know someone who regards himself as wise? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
26:13  The idler says, “There is a lion in the road, a lion in the middle of the street.”
26:14  As a door turns on its hinges, so does the idler on his bed.
26:15  One who is lazy will dip his hand into the dish, but he is too lazy to lift it to his mouth.
26:16  The idler considers himself to be more wise than seven men who can offer a sensible reply.
26:17  Like one who lifts up a stray dog by the ears is he who meddles in another person’s quarrel.
26:18  Like a madman shooting at random his deadly firebrands and arrows,
26:19  so is the one who deceives his neighbor and then says, “I was only joking.”
26:20  When there is no wood, the fire goes out, and when there is no talebearer, quarreling ceases.
26:21  Like coal for burning embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
26:22  The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels that corrode one’s inner being.
26:23  Like glaze that is spread on earthenware are smooth lips and a spiteful heart.
26:24  With his lips an enemy may speak fair words, but deep within he harbors treachery.
26:25  When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations lurk in his heart.
26:26  A man may cloak his hatred with guile, but his wickedness will be exposed later in the assembly.
26:27  Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and the stone comes back on the one who rolls it.
26:28  A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth causes devastation.