Proverbs 26:1–12
[1] Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
so honor is not fitting for a fool.
[2] Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
a curse that is causeless does not alight.
[3] A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the back of fools.
[4] Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
[5] Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.
[6] Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool
cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
[7] Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless,
is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
[8] Like one who binds the stone in the sling
is one who gives honor to a fool.
[9] Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard
is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
[10] Like an archer who wounds everyone
is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.
[11] Like a dog that returns to his vomit
is a fool who repeats his folly.
[12] Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him. (ESV)