CHAP. XXVI.
1 AS the snow in the sommer, and as the rai∣ne in the haruest (are not 〈◊〉〈◊〉,) so is ho∣nour vnsemely for a foole.
2 As the sparowe by fleing, and the swalowe by flying (escape,) so the curse (that is) cau∣seles, shal not come.
3 Vnto the horse (belōgeth) a whip, to the asse a bridle, and a rodde to the fooles backe.
4 Answer not a foolea 1.1 accordyng to hys foo∣lishnes, lest thou also be like him.
5 Answer a fooleb 1.2 according to his foolishnes, lest he be wise in his owne” 1.3 conceite.
6 He that sendeth a message by the hande of a foole, (is as) he that cutteth ofc 1.4 the fete,d 1.5 and drinketh iniquitie.
7 (As) they that lift vp the legges of the lame, so (is) a parable in a fooles mouth.
8 As the closing vp of a (precious) stone in an heape of stones, so (is) he that giueth glorie to a foole.
9 (As) a thorne standynge 1.6 vp in the hand of a drunkard, so (is) a parable in the mouth of fooles.
10 f 1.7 The excellent that formed all things, both rewardeth the foole ād rewardeth the trans gressers.
11 * As a dogge turneth againe to his owne vo* 1.8 mite, (so) a foole turneth to his foolishnes.
12 Seest thou a man wise in his owne cōceite?g 1.9 more hope (is) of a foole then of him.
13 The slouthful man saith,h 1.10 Alyon (is) in the waye: alyon (is) in the stretes.
14 (As) the dore turneth vpon hys henges, so (doeth) the slouth full man vpon his bed.
15 * The slouth full hideth his hand in (his) bo∣some, (and) it grieueth him to put it againe to his mouth.* 1.11
16 The sluggard is wiser in his owne conceit, then seuen (men) that can rendre a reason.
17 He that passeth by and medleth wyth the strife (that belongeth) not vnto hym, (is as) one that taketh a dogge by the eares.
18 As he that faineth him self mad, casteth fyre brandes, arrowes and mortal things.
19 So (dealeth) the deceitfull mani 1.12 with hys friend and saith, Am not I in sporte?
20 Without wood the fyre is quenched, and without a tale bearer strife ceaseth.
21 * (As) the cole (maketh) burning coles, and* 1.13 wood a fyre, so the contentious man (is apt) to kindle strife.
22 * The wordes of a tale bearer (are) as flatte∣rings,* 1.14 and they go downe into the bowels of the bellie.
23 (As) siluer drosse ouerlayed vpon a pot∣shard, (so are) burnyng lippes, andk 1.15 an euil heart.
24 He that hateth, will counterfait with hys lippes, but in his heart he layeth vp deceit.
25 Thogh he speake fauorably, beleue hym not: for (there are)l 1.16 seuen abominacions in his heart.
26 Hatred may be couered by deceit: (but) the malice thereof shalbe discouered in them 1.17 Congregacion.
27 * He that diggeth a pit, shall fall therein,* 1.18 and he that rolleth a stone, it shall returne* 1.19 vnto him.
28 A false tōgue hateth the afflicted, and a flat∣tering mouth causeth ruine.