King James Version (KJV) Authorized Version 1611
Read Full Chapter (Proverbs 26) Proverbs 26:3-11 KJV
"A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."
Proverbs 26:3-11 in Context (Verses 1–14 KJV)
1
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.*
6
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.*
7
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.*
8
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.*
9
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.*
11
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.*
12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.