Proverbs 26:2-11a

²As birds and sparrows fly, So a curse shall not come upon anyone without a cause.

³As a whip for a horse, and a goad for an ass, So is a rod for a simple nation.

⁴Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou become like him.

⁵Yet answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he seem wise in his own conceit.

⁶He that sends a message by a foolish messenger Procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.

⁷As well take away the motion of the legs, As transgression from the mouth of fools.

⁸He that binds up a stone in a sling, Is like one that gives glory to a fool.

⁹Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, And servitude in the hand of fools.

¹⁰All the flesh of fools endures much hardship; For their fury is brought to nought.

¹¹As when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, So is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin.

^11aThere is a shame that brings sin: And there is a shame that is glory and grace.