The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 26

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 26 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.” — the complete text of all 28 verses is below, free to read online.

1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2As the wandering sparrow, as the flying swallow, so the curse that is causeless shall come home.

3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools.

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

5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh damage.

7The legs hang limp from the lame; so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8As a small stone in a heap of stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9As a thorn that cometh into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10A master performeth all things; but he that stoppeth a fool is as one that stoppeth a flood.

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

12Seest thou a man wise in his own eyes? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13The sluggard saith: 'There is a lion in the way; yea, a lion is in the streets.'

14The door is turning upon its hinges, and the sluggard is still upon his bed.

15The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; it wearieth him to bring it back to his mouth.

16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men that give wise answer.

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

18As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death;

19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith: 'Am not I in sport?'

20Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.

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

22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.

24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him.

25When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26Though his hatred be concealed with deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the congregation.

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

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

28 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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