Proverbs 26

All 28 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

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1. 1Like snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
2. 2Like a bird that wanders, like a swallow that flies, so a curse without cause will not come.
3. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back.
4. 4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
5. 5Respond to a fool according to his foolishness, or he will think he is wise.
6. 6Sending a message by the hand of a fool is like cutting off one's own feet and drinking harm.
7. 7The legs of the lame are not equal; so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8. 8As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
9. 9As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10. 10The great God who formed all things rewards both the fool and transgressors.
11. 11As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
12. 12Do you see a man who is wise in his own conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13. 13The slothful man says, 'There is a lion on the road; a lion is in the streets.'
14. 14As a door turns on its hinges, so does the slothful person on his bed.
15. 15The lazy person puts his hand in his bosom; it troubles him to bring it back to his mouth.
16. 16The sluggard considers himself wiser than seven men who can give a reasoned answer.
17. 17Someone who passes by and gets involved in a quarrel that isn't theirs is like a person who grabs a dog by the ears.
18. 18Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
19. 19So is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, "Am I not joking?"
20. 20Without wood, a fire goes out; and without a talebearer, strife ends.
21. 21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22. 22The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go deep into the innermost parts of the belly.
23. 23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24. 24He who hates disguises it with his words and stores up deceit within himself.
25. 25When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26. 26Though his hatred is hidden by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the whole congregation.
27. 27Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.
28. 28A lying tongue hates those it harms, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.