Proverbs 26:4-17

⁴Answer not a foole according to his foolishnes, least thou also be like him.

⁵Answere a foole according to his foolishnes, least he be wise in his owne conceite.

⁶He that sendeth a message by the hand of a foole, is as he that cutteth off the feete, and drinketh iniquitie.

⁷As they that lift vp the legs of the lame, so is a parable in a fooles mouth.

⁸As the closing vp of a precious stone in an heape of stones, so is he that giueth glory to a foole.

⁹As a thorne standing vp in the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fooles.

¹⁰The excellent that formed all things, both rewardeth the foole and rewardeth the transgressers.

¹¹As a dog turneth againe to his owne vomit, so a foole turneth to his foolishnes.

¹²Seest thou a man wise in his owne conceite? more hope is of a foole then of him.

¹³The slouthfull man sayth, A lyon is in the way: a lyon is in the streetes.

¹⁴As the doore turneth vpon his hinges, so doeth the slouthfull man vpon his bed.

¹⁵The slouthfull hideth his hand in his bosome, and it grieueth him to put it againe to his mouth.

¹⁶The sluggard is wiser in his owne conceite, then seuen men that can render a reason.

¹⁷He that passeth by and medleth with the strife that belongeth not vnto him, is as one that taketh a dog by the eares.