Proverbs 26 in Puritan & Reformed Writings

[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. [9] 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. [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. [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. [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. [26] Whose 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.