(No prolog)

[1] As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool. [2] As a bird flying to other places, and a sparrow going here or there: so a curse uttered without cause shall come upon a man. [3] A whip for a horse, and a snaffle for an ass, and a rod for the back of fools. [4] Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be made like him. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise.

[2] As a bird: The meaning is, that a curse uttered without cause shall do no harm to the person that is cursed, but will return upon him that curseth, as whithersoever a bird flies, it returns to its own nest.

[4] Answer not a fool: Viz., so as to imitate him but only so as to reprove his folly.

[6] He that sendeth words by a foolish messenger, is lame of feet and drinketh iniquity. [7] As a lame man hath fair legs in vain: so a parable is unseemly in the mouth of fools. [8] As he that casteth a stone into the heap of Mercury: so is he that giveth honour to a fool. [9] As if a thorn should grow in the hand of a drunkard: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. [10] Judgment determineth causes: and he that putteth a fool to silence, appeaseth anger.

[11] As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is the fool that repeateth his folly. [12] Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall be more hope of a fool than of him. [13] The slothful man saith: There is a lion in the way, and a lioness in the roads. [14] As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. [15] The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and it grieveth him to turn it to his mouth.

[16] The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that speak sentences. [17] As he that taketh a dog by the ears, so is he that passeth by in anger, and meddleth with another man' s quarrel. [18] As he is guilty that shooteth arrows, and lances unto death: [19] So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest. [20] When the wood faileth, the fire shall go out: and when the talebearer is taken away, contentions shall cease.

[21] As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so an angry man stirreth up strife. [22] The words of a talebearer are as it were simple, but they reach to the innermost parts of the belly. [23] Swelling lips joined with a corrupt heart, are like an earthen vessel adorned with silver dross. [24] An enemy is known by his lips, when in his heart he entertaineth deceit. [25] When he shall speak low, trust him not: because there are seven mischiefs in his heart.

[26] He that covereth hatred deceitfully, his malice shall be laid open in the public assembly. [27] He that diggeth a pit, shall fall into it: and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return to him. [28] A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth worketh ruin.