Proverbs 26:1-16

Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a [shortsighted] fool. [Is 32:6] Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying, So the curse without cause does not come and alight [on the undeserving]. [Num 23:8] A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the backs of fools [who refuse to learn]. Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly, Otherwise you, even you, will be like him. Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly, Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him]. [Matt 16:1-4; 21:24-27] He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet (sabotages himself) and drinks the violence [it brings on himself as a consequence]. [Prov 13:17] Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who cannot learn from its wisdom]. Like one who [absurdly] binds a stone in a sling [making it impossible to throw], So is he who [absurdly] gives honor to a fool. Like a thorn that goes [without being felt] into the hand of a drunken man, So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who remains unaffected by its wisdom]. Like a [careless] archer who [shoots arrows wildly and] wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or those who [by chance just] pass by. Like a dog that returns to his vomit Is a fool who repeats his foolishness. Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes and full of self-conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him. [Prov 29:20; Luke 18:11; Rom 12:16; Rev 3:17] The lazy person [who is self-indulgent and relies on lame excuses] says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square [and if I go outside to work I will be killed]!” [Prov 22:13] As the door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy person on his bed [never getting out of it]. The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. [Prov 19:24] The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes Than seven [sensible] men who can give a discreet answer.