New Century Version

Proverbs 26:10-26 New Century Version (NCV)

10. Hiring a foolish person or anyone just passing byis like an archer shooting at just anything.

11. A fool who repeats his foolishnessis like a dog that goes back to what it has thrown up.

12. There is more hope for a foolish personthan for those who think they are wise.

13. The lazy person says, “There’s a lion in the road!There’s a lion in the streets!”

14. Like a door turning back and forth on its hinges,the lazy person turns over and over in bed.

15. Lazy people may put their hands in the dish,but they are too tired to lift the food to their mouths.

16. The lazy person thinks he is wiserthan seven people who give sensible answers.

17. Interfering in someone else’s quarrel as you pass byis like grabbing a dog by the ears.

18. Like a madman shootingdeadly, burning arrows

19. is the one who tricks a neighborand then says, “I was just joking.”

20. Without wood, a fire will go out,and without gossip, quarreling will stop.

21. Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going,a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going.

22. The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food;people like to gobble them up.

23. Kind words from a wicked mindare like a shiny coating on a clay pot.

24. Those who hate you may try to fool you with their words,but in their minds they are planning evil.

25. People’s words may be kind, but don’t believe them,because their minds are full of evil thoughts.

26. Lies can hide hate,but the evil will be plain to everyone.