American King James Version

1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor 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’ back.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

6 He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage.

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

8 As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool.

9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

10 The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors.

11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.

12 See you a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man said, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turns on his hinges, so does the slothful on his bed.

15 The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves 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 passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and said, Am not I in sport?

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.

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 hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;

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

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

27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.