The Proverbs

Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.

Like a sparrow in [its] flitting, like a swallow in [its] flying, So a curse without cause does not alight.

A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.

Answer a fool as his folly [deserves], Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

He cuts off [his own] feet, [and] drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool.

[Like] the legs [which] hang down from the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.

[Like] a thorn [which] falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

[Like] an archer who wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.

Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!"

[As] the door turns on its hinges, So [does] the sluggard on his bed.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer.

[Like] one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by [and] meddles with strife not belonging to him.

Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,

So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "Was I not joking?"

[Like] charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

[Like] an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart.

He who hates disguises [it] with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart.

When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart.

[Though his] hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.

A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.