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

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

4 Answer not a fool {a} according to his folly, lest thou also be like him.

(a) Consent not to him in his doings.

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

(b) Reprove him as the matter requires.

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off {c} the feet, {d} and drinketh damage.

(c) That is, of the messenger whom he sends.

(d) That is, receives damage by it.

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

8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9 As a thorn goeth {e} up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

(e) By which he hurts both himself and others.

10 {f} The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

(f) Meaning God.

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is {g} more hope of a fool than of him.

(g) For the fool would rather be counselled than he: also the fool sins out of ignorance, and the other out of malice.

13 The slothful man saith, {h} There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

(h) Read Pr 22:13.

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

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

17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceiveth {i} his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

(i) Who disguises himself to be that which he is not.

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

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

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

23 Burning lips and {k} a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

(k) They will soon break out and utter themselves.

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

25 When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for there are {l} seven abominations in his heart.

(l) Meaning many: he uses a certain number for the uncertain.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the whole {m} congregation.

(m) In the assembly of the godly.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.