Folly and Wisdom Contrasted Through Proverbs of Caution and Insight

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool.

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.

The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.

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

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

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

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

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

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

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

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

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