Catholic Public Domain Version

Proverbs 26:9-26 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

9. In the manner of a thorn, if it were to spring up from the hand of a drunkard, so also is a parable in the mouth of the foolish.

10. Judgment determines cases. And whoever imposes silence on the foolish mitigates anger.

11. Like a dog that returns to his vomit, so also is the imprudent who repeats his foolishness.

12. Have you seen a man who seems wise to himself? There will be greater hope held for the unwise than for him.

13. The lazy one says, "There is a lion along the way, and a lioness in the roads."

14. Just as a door turns upon its hinges, so also does the lazy one turn upon his bed.

15. The lazy one conceals his hand under his arms, and it is a labor for him to move it to his mouth.

16. The lazy one seems wiser to himself than seven men speaking judgments.

17. Just like one who takes hold of a dog by the ears, so also is he who crosses impatiently and meddles in the quarrels of another.

18. Just as he is guilty who let loose the arrows and the lances unto death,

19. so also is the man who harms his friend by deceitfulness. And when he has been apprehended, he says, "I did it jokingly."

20. When the wood fails, the fire will be extinguished. And when the gossiper is taken away, conflicts will be quelled.

21. Just as charcoals are to burning coals, and wood is to fire, so also is an angry man who stirs up quarrels.

22. The words of a whisperer seem simple, but they penetrate to the innermost parts of the self.

23. In the same manner as an earthen vessel, if it were adorned with impure silver, conceited lips are allied with a wicked heart.

24. An enemy is known by his lips, though it is from his heart that he draws out deceit.

25. When he will have lowered his voice, do not believe him, for there are seven vices in his heart.

26. Whoever covers hatred with deceit, his malice shall be revealed in the assembly.