Proverbs 26
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Proverbs 26 studies the fool from every angle, opening with the paradox of verses 4 and 5, when to answer a fool according to his folly and when not to, then giving the well-known image of a dog returning to his vomit as a fool returns to his folly. It carries the sayings of Hezekiah's men forward from Proverbs 25 into sharper, more pointed contrasts.
Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.
Like a fluttering sparrow, Like a darting swallow, So the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.
A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools!
Don't answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
One who sends a message by the hand of a fool Is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.
Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As an archer who wounds all, So is he who hires a fool Or he who hires those who pass by.
As a dog that returns to his vomit, So 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 fierce lion roams the streets!\"
As the door turns on its hinges, So does the sluggard on his bed.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who answer with discretion.
Like one who grabs a dog's ears Is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,
Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, \"Am I not joking?\"
For lack of wood a fire goes out; Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
As coals are to hot embers, And wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindling strife.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, They go down into the innermost parts.
Like silver dross on an earthen vessel Are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, But he harbors evil in his heart.
When his speech is charming, don't believe him; For there are seven abominations in his heart:
His malice may be concealed by deception, But his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
A lying tongue hates those it hurts; And a flattering mouth works ruin.