26 Like snow in summer and like ^(A)rain in harvest,
So honor is not ^(B)fitting for a fool.
² Like a ^(C)sparrow in its ^[a]flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
So a ^(D)curse without cause does not come to rest.
³ A ^(E)whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a ^(F)rod for the back of fools.
^4 (G)Do not answer a fool ^[b]according to his foolishness,
Or you will also be like him.
^5 (H)Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves,
So that he will not be ^(I)wise in his own eyes.
⁶ One who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Chops off his own feet and drinks violence.
⁷ Like ^[c]useless legs to one who cannot walk,
So is a proverb in the mouths of fools.
⁸ Like ^[d]one who binds a stone in a sling,
So is one who gives honor to a fool.
⁹ Like a thorn that ^[e]sticks in the hand of a heavy drinker,
So is a proverb in the mouths of fools.
^10 [f]Like an archer who wounds everyone,
So is one who hires a fool or hires those who pass by.
¹¹ Like ^(J)a dog that returns to its vomit,
So is a fool who ^(K)repeats ^[g]his foolishness.