1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not seemly for a fool.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- As snow H7950 (שֶׁלֶג) — snow (probably from its whiteness)
- in summer H7019 (קַיִץ) — harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season
- and as rain H4306 (מָטַר) — rain
- in harvest H7105 (קָצִיר) — severed, i.e. harvest (as reaped), the crop, the time, the reaper, or figuratively; also a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
- so honour H3519 (כָּבוֹד) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
- is not seemly H5000 (נָאוֶה) — suitable, or beautiful
- for a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
2 As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- As the bird H6833 (צִפּוֹר) — a little bird (as hopping)
- by wandering H5110 (נוּד) — to nod, i.e. waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the head in scorn)…
- as the swallow H1866 (דְּרוֹר) — the swift, a kind of swallow
- by flying H5774 (עוּף) — to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
- so the curse H7045 (קְלָלָה) — vilification
- causeless H2600 (חִנָּם) — gratis, i.e. devoid of cost, reason or advantage
- shall not come H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A whip H7752 (שׁוֹט) — a lash (literally or figuratively)
- for the horse H5483 (סוּס) — a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight)
- a bridle H4964 (מֶתֶג) — a bit
- for the donkey H2543 (חֲמוֹר) — a male ass (from its dun red)
- and a rod H7626 (שֵׁבֶט) — a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
- for the fool’s H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- back H1460 (גֵּו) — the back; by analogy, the middle
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Answer H6030 (עָנָה) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, a…
- not a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- according to his folly H200 (אִוֶּלֶת) — silliness
- lest thou also be like H7737 (שָׁוָה) — properly, to level, i.e. equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e. counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, etc.)
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Answer H6030 (עָנָה) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, a…
- a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- according to his folly H200 (אִוֶּלֶת) — silliness
- lest he be wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- in his own conceit H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- He that sendeth H7971 (שָׁלַח) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
- a message H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- by the hand H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- of a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- cutteth off H7096 (קָצָה) — to cut off; (figuratively) to destroy; (partially) to scrape off
- the feet H7272 (רֶגֶל) — a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
- drinketh H8354 (שָׁתָה) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
- damage H2555 (חָמָס) — violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
7 The legs of the lame hang loose; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The legs H7785 (שׁוֹק) — the (lower) leg (as a runner)
- of the lame H6455 (פִּסֵּחַ) — lame
- are not equal H1809 (דָּלַל) — to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed
- a parable H4912 (מָשָׁל) — properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
- in the mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- of fools H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
8 As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- As he that bindeth H6887 (צָרַר) — to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
- As he that bindeth H6872 (צְרוֹר) — a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package)
- a stone H68 (אֶבֶן) — a stone
- in a sling H4773 (מַרְגֵּמָה) — a stone-heap
- he that giveth H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- honour H3519 (כָּבוֹד) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
- to a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
9 As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- a thorn H2336 (חוֹחַ) — a thorn; by analogy, a ring for the nose
- goeth up H5927 (עָלָה) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
- into the hand H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- of a drunkard H7910 (שִׁכּוֹר) — intoxicated, as a state or a habit
- a parable H4912 (מָשָׁל) — properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
- in the mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- of fools H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
10 As an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The great H7227 (רַב) — abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
- that formed H2342 (חוּל) — properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e. (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; figuratively,…
- both rewardeth H7936 (שָׂכַר) — to hire
- the fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- and rewardeth H7936 (שָׂכַר) — to hire
- transgressors H5674 (עָבַר) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation…
11 As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- As a dog H3611 (כֶּלֶב) — a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
- returneth H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
- to his vomit H6892 (קֵא) — vomit
- a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
- returneth H8138 (שָׁנָה) — to fold, i.e. duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
- to his folly H200 (אִוֶּלֶת) — silliness
12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Seest H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- thou a man H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
- wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- in his own conceit H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
- more hope H8615 (תִּקְוָה) — literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
- of a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
13 The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The slothful H6102 (עָצֵל) — indolent
- saith H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- a lion H7826 (שַׁחַל) — a lion (from his characteristic roar)
- in the way H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
- a lion H738 (אֲרִי) — a lion
- in the streets H7339 (רְחֹב) — a width, i.e. (concretely) avenue or area
14 As the door turneth upon its hinges, So doth the sluggard upon his bed.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- the door H1817 (דֶּלֶת) — something swinging, i.e. the valve of a door
- turneth H5437 (סָבַב) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
- upon his hinges H6735 (צִיר) — a hinge (as pressed in turning); also a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure); also a herald or errand-doer (as constrained by the principal)
- the slothful H6102 (עָצֵל) — indolent
- upon his bed H4296 (מִטָּה) — a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
15 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The slothful H6102 (עָצֵל) — indolent
- hideth H2934 (טָמַן) — to hide (by covering over)
- his hand H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- bosom H6747 (צַלַּחַת) — something advanced or deep, i.e. a bowl; figuratively, the bosom
- it grieveth H3811 (לָאָה) — to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted
- him to bring it again H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
- to his mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The sluggard H6102 (עָצֵל) — indolent
- wiser H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- in his own conceit H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
- than seven men H7651 (שֶׁבַע) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
- that can render H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
- a reason H2940 (טַעַם) — properly, a taste, i.e. (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate
17 He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- He that passeth by H5674 (עָבַר) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation…
- meddleth H5674 (עָבַר) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation…
- with strife H7379 (רִיב) — a contest (personal or legal)
- one that taketh H2388 (חָזַק) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conque…
- a dog H3611 (כֶּלֶב) — a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
- by the ears H241 (אֹזֶן) — broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
18 As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- As a mad H3856 (לָהַהּ) — to be rabid (figuratively, insane); also (from the exhaustion of frenzy) to languish
- who casteth H3384 (יָרָה) — properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the f…
- firebrands H2131 (זִיקָה) — properly, what leaps forth, i.e. flash of fire, or a burning arrow; also (from the original sense of the root) a bond
- arrows H2671 (חֵץ) — properly, a piercer, i.e. an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of God) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
- and death H4194 (מָוֶת) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- the man H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
- deceiveth H7411 (רָמָה) — to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)
- his neighbour H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
- and saith H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- Am not I in sport H7832 (שָׂחַק) — to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
20 For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Where no H657 (אֶפֶס) — cessation, i.e. an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or foot
- wood H6086 (עֵץ) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
- the fire H784 (אֵשׁ) — fire (literally or figuratively)
- goeth out H3518 (כָּבָה) — to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
- no talebearer H5372 (נִרְגָּן) — a slanderer
- the strife H4066 (מָדוֹן) — a contest or quarrel
- ceaseth H8367 (שָׁתַק) — to subside
21 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- coals H6352 (פֶּחָם) — a coal, whether charred or live
- to burning coals H1513 (גֶּחֶל) — an ember
- and wood H6086 (עֵץ) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
- to fire H784 (אֵשׁ) — fire (literally or figuratively)
- a contentious H4066 (מָדוֹן) — a contest or quarrel
- a contentious H4079 (מִדְיָן)
- man H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
- to kindle H2787 (חָרַר) — to glow, i.e. literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)
- strife H7379 (רִיב) — a contest (personal or legal)
22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The words H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- of a talebearer H5372 (נִרְגָּן) — a slanderer
- as wounds H3859 (לָהַם) — properly, to burn in, i.e. (figuratively) to rankle
- and they go down H3381 (יָרַד) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively,…
- into the innermost parts H2315 (חֶדֶר) — an apartment (usually literal)
- of the belly H990 (בֶּטֶן) — the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
23 Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Burning H1814 (דָּלַק) — to flame (literally or figuratively)
- lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
- and a wicked H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- a potsherd H2789 (חֶרֶשׂ) — a piece of pottery
- covered H6823 (צָפָה) — to sheet over (especially with metal)
- with silver H3701 (כֶּסֶף) — silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
- dross H5509 (סִיג) — scoria
24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- He that hateth H8130 (שָׂנֵא) — to hate (personally)
- dissembleth H5234 (נָכַר) — properly, to scrutinize, i.e. look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspic…
- with his lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
- and layeth up H7896 (שִׁית) — to place (in a very wide application)
- deceit H4820 (מִרְמָה) — fraud
- within H7130 (קֶרֶב) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- When he speaketh H6963 (קוֹל) — a voice or sound
- fair H2603 (חָנַן) — properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition)
- believe H539 (אָמַן) — properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet…
- seven H7651 (שֶׁבַע) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
- abominations H8441 (תּוֹעֵבַה) — properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
- in his heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
26 Though his hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- hatred H8135 (שִׂנְאָה) — hate
- is covered H3680 (כָּסָה) — properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
- by deceit H4860 (מַשָּׁאוֹן) — dissimulation
- his wickedness H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- shall be shewed H1540 (גָּלָה) — to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
- congregation H6951 (קָהָל) — assemblage (usually concretely)
27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Whoso diggeth H3738 (כָּרָה) — properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
- a pit H7845 (שַׁחַת) — a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction
- shall fall H5307 (נָפַל) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
- therein: and he that rolleth H1556 (גָּלַל) — to roll (literally or figuratively)
- a stone H68 (אֶבֶן) — a stone
- it will return H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
28 A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- A lying H8267 (שֶׁקֶר) — an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
- tongue H3956 (לָשׁוֹן) — the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of…
- hateth H8130 (שָׂנֵא) — to hate (personally)
- afflicted H1790 (דַּךְ) — crushed, i.e. (figuratively) injured
- by it; and a flattering H2509 (חָלָק) — smooth (especially of tongue)
- mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- worketh H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- ruin H4072 (מִדְחֶה) — overthrow