Fools and Sluggards
Proverbs 26
This chapter gathers sayings about fools, describing the folly of honoring them, sending messages by them, and returning to sin as a dog returns to its vomit. It also portrays the sluggard's excuses and idleness, and warns against those who stir up strife through deceit, flattery, and hidden hatred.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
KJV 1769Masoretic
JPS 1917Masoretic
1
ThomsonAS dew at the ingathering of fruit and as rain during harvest: so is honour for a fool.
BrentonAs dew in harvest, and as rain in summer, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
GreekὭσπερ δρόσος ἐν ἀμητῷ, καὶ ὥσπερ ὑετὸς ἐν θέρει, οὕτως οὐκ ἔστιν ἄφρουι τιμή.
KJVAs snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
JPSAs snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honour is not seemly for a fool.
2
ThomsonAs birds and ostriches fly away; so a vain curse will not light on anyone.
BrentonAs birds and sparrows fly, so a curse shall not come upon any one without a cause.
GreekὭσπερ ὄρνεα πέταται καὶ στρουθοί, οὕτως ἀρὰ ματαία οὐκ ἐπελεύσεται οὐδενί.
KJV—
JPS—
3
ThomsonAs a whip for a horse and a goad for an ass, so is a scourge for a sinful nation.
BrentonAs a whip for a horse, and a goad for an ass, so is a rod for a simple nation.
GreekὭσπερ μάστιξ ἵππῳ καὶ κέντρον ὄνῳ, οὕτως ῥάβδος ἔθνει παρανόμῳ.
KJVA whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
JPSA whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools.
4
ThomsonAnswer not a fool conformably to his folly, lest thou become like him.
BrentonAnswer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou become like him.
GreekΜὴ ἀποκρίνου ἄφρονι πρὸς τὴν ἐκείνου ἀφροσύνην, ἵνα μὴ ὅμοιος γένῃ αὐτῷ.
KJVAnswer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
JPSAnswer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
5
ThomsonBut answer a fool according to his folly, that he may not think himself wise.
BrentonYet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.
GreekἈλλὰ ἀποκρίνου ἄφρονι κατὰ τὴν ἀφροσύνην αὐτοῦ, ἵνα μὴ φαίνηται σοφὸς παρʼ ἑαυτῷ.
KJVAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
JPSAnswer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6
ThomsonHe who sendeth a message by a foolish messenger, by his own fault procureth disgrace.
BrentonHe that sends a message by a foolish messenger procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.
GreekἘκ τῶν ὁδῶν ἑαυτοῦ ὄνειδος ποιεῖται ὁ ἀποστείλας διʼ ἀγγέλου ἄφρονος λόγον.
KJV—
JPS—
7
ThomsonAs well remove walking from the legs, as mistakes from the mouth of fools.
BrentonAs well take away the motion of the legs, as transgression from the mouth of fools.
GreekἌφελοῦ πορείαν σκελῶν, καὶ παρανομίαν ἐκ στόματος ἀφρόνων.
KJVThe legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
JPSThe legs hang limp from the lame; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8
ThomsonHe who bindeth a stone in a sling is like him who giveth honour to a fool.
BrentonHe that binds up a stone in a sling, is like one that gives glory to a fool.
GreekὋς ἀποδεσμεύει λίθον ἐν σφενδόνῃ, ὅμοιός ἐστι τῷ διδόντι ἄφρονι δόξαν.
KJVAs he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
JPS—
9
ThomsonThorns stick in the hands of a drunken man; and slavery, in the hand of fools.
BrentonThorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, and servitude in the hand of fools.
GreekἌκανθαι φύονται ἐν χειρὶ μεθύσου, δουλεία δὲ ἐν χειρὶ τῶν ἀφρόνων.
KJVAs a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
JPSAs a thorn that cometh into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10
ThomsonAll the flesh of fools is afflicted: for their lunacy cometh to destruction.
BrentonAll the flesh of fools endures much hardship; for their fury is brought to nought.
GreekΠολλὰ χειμάζεται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἀφρόνων, συντρίβεται γὰρ ἡ ἔκστασις αὐτῶν.
KJV—
JPS—
11
Thomson—
BrentonAs when a dog goes to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, so is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin.
GreekὭσπερ κύων ὅταν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπὶ τὸν ἑαυτοῦ ἔμετον καὶ μισητὸς γένηται, οὕτως ἄφρων τῇ ἑαυτοῦ κακίᾳ ἀναστρέψας ἐπὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἁμαρτίαν·
KJVAs a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
JPSAs a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly.
11a
ThomsonAs a dog becometh odious when he returneth to his vomit; so is a fool for his wickedness, when he returneth to his sin. There is a shame which leadeth to sin: and a shame which procureth glory and honour.
Brenton[There is a shame that brings sin: and there is a shame that is glory and grace.]
Greekἔστιν αἰσχύνη ἐπάγουσα ἁμαρτίαν, καὶ ἐστιν αἰσχύνη δόξα καὶ χάρις.
KJV—
JPS—
12
ThomsonI have seen a man who thought himself wise: but there was more hope for a fool than for him.
BrentonI have seen a man who seemed to himself to be wise; but a fool had more hope than he.
GreekΕἶδον ἄνδρα δόξαντα παρʼ αὐτῷ σοφὸν εἶναι, ἐλπίδα μέντοι ἔσχε μᾶλλον ἄφρων αὐτοῦ.
KJVSeest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
JPSSeest thou a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
13
ThomsonA slothful man sent on a journey saith, There is a lion in the way and murderers in the streets.
BrentonA sluggard when sent on a journey says, There is a lion in the ways, and there are murderers in the streets.
GreekΛέγει ὀκνηρὸς ἀποστελλόμενος εἰς ὁδὸν, λέων ἐν ταῖς ἐν δὲ ταῖς πλατείαις φονευταί.
KJVThe slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
JPSThe sluggard saith: ‘There is a lion in the way; Yea, a lion is in the streets.’
14
ThomsonAs a door turneth on its hinges, so doth a slothful man on his bed.
BrentonAs a door turns on the hinge, so does a sluggard on his bed.
GreekὭσπερ θύρα στρέφεται ἐπὶ τοῦ στρόφιγγος, οὕτως ὀκνηρὸς ἐπὶ τῆς κλίνης αὐτοῦ.
KJVAs the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
JPSThe door is turning upon its hinges, And the sluggard is still upon his bed.
15
ThomsonA slothful man, having hid his hand in his bosom, cannot bring it out to his mouth.
BrentonA sluggard having hid his hand in his bosom, will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.
GreekΚρύψας ὀκνηρὸς τὴν χεῖρα ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ αὐτοῦ, οὐ δυνήσεται ἐπενεγκεῖν ἐπὶ στόμα.
KJVThe slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
JPSThe sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it back to his mouth.
16
ThomsonA slothful man thinketh himself wiser than he who in plenty carrieth a message.
BrentonA sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who most satisfactorily brings back a message.
GreekΣοφώτερος ἑαυτῷ ὀκνηρὸς φαίνεται, τοῦ ἐν πλησμονῇ ἀποκομίζοντος ἀγγελίαν.
KJVThe sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
JPSThe sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men that give wise answer.
17
ThomsonHe who meddleth with another’s strife, is like one who graspeth a dog by the tail.
BrentonAs he that lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he that makes himself the champion of another's cause.
GreekὭσπερ ὁ κρατῶν κέρκου κυνὸς, οὕτως ὁ προεστὼς ἀλλοτρίας κρίσεως.
KJV—
JPS—
18
ThomsonAs they who undertake to cure, throw out words for men (and he who falleth in with the proposal will be first supplanted):
BrentonAs those who need correction put forth fair words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;
GreekὭσπερ οἱ ἰώμενοι προβάλλουσι λόγους εἰς ἀνθρώπους, ὁ δὲ ἀπαντήσας τῷ λόγῳ πρῶτος ὑποσκελισθήσεται·
KJV—
JPS—
19
Thomsonso all who ensnare their friends, when they are found out, say, I did it in sport.
Brentonso are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.
GreekΟὕτως πάντες οἱ ἐνεδρεύοντες τοὺς ἑαυτῶν φίλους, ὅταν δὲ ὁραθῶσι, λέγουσιν, ὅτι παίζων ἔπραξα.
KJV—
JPS—
20
ThomsonBy much fuel a fire is nourished: but where there is no agitator of quarrels, contention ceaseth.
BrentonWith much wood fire increases; but where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.
GreekἘν πολλοῖς ξύλοις θάλλει πῦρ, ὅπου δὲ οὐκ ἔστι δίθυμος, ἡσυχάζει μάχη.
KJVWhere no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
JPSWhere no wood is, the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
21
ThomsonA hearth is for coals and fuel for fire: and a contentious man for the bustle of strife.
BrentonA hearth for coals, and wood for fire; and a railing man for the tumult of strife.
GreekἘσχάρα ἄνθραξι καὶ ξύλα πυρὶ, ἀνὴρ δὲ λοίδορος εἰς ταραχὴν μάχης.
KJVAs coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
JPSAs coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22
ThomsonThe words of the crafty are soft: but they pierce the inmost recesses of the soul.
BrentonThe words of cunning knaves are soft; but they smite even to the inmost parts of the bowels.
GreekΛόγοι κερκώπων μαλακοὶ, οὗτοι δὲ τύπτουσιν εἰς ταμιεῖα σπλάγχνων.
KJVThe words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
JPSThe words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
23
ThomsonSilver given with deceit, should be accounted as a potsherd. Smooth lips disguise a wicked heart.
BrentonSilver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd: smooth lips cover a grievous heart.
GreekἈργύριον διδόμενον μετὰ δόλου, ὥσπερ ὄστρακον ἡγητέον· χείλη λεῖα καρδίαν καλύπτει λυπηράν.
KJVBurning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
JPSBurning lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
24
ThomsonA weeping enemy assenteth to everything with his lips: but in his heart he contriveth deceit.
BrentonA weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.
GreekΧείλεσι πάντα ἐπινεύει ἀποκλαιόμενος ἐχθρὸς, ἐν δὲ τῇ καρδίᾳ τεκταίνεται δόλους.
KJVHe that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
JPSHe that hateth dissembleth with his lips, But he layeth up deceit within him.
25
ThomsonThough an enemy intreat thee with a loud voice, believe him not: for in his heart there is seven-fold wickedness.
BrentonThough thine enemy intreat thee with a loud voice, consent not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
GreekἘάν σου δέηται ὁ ἐχθρὸς μεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ, μὴ πεισθῇς, ἑπτὰ γάρ πονηρίαι ἐν τῇ ψυχῇ αὐτοῦ.
KJVWhen he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
JPSWhen he speaketh fair, Believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart.
26
ThomsonHe who concealeth enmity practiseth deceit; but being found out, he discloseth his sins in public assemblies.
BrentonHe that hides enmity frames deceit: but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.
GreekὉ κρύπτων ἔχθραν συνίστησι δόλον, ἐκκαλύπτει δὲ τὰς ἑαυτοῦ ἁμαρτίας εὔγνωστος ἐν συνεδρίοις.
KJV—
JPS—
27
ThomsonMay he who diggeth a pit for his neighbour fall into it; and he who rolleth a stone, roll it on himself.
BrentonHe that digs a pit for his neighbour shall fall into it: and he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself.
GreekὉ ὀρύσσων βόθρον τῷ πλησίον, ἐμπεσεῖται εἰς αὐτόν· ὁ δὲ κυλίων λίθον, ἐφʼ ἑαυτὸν κυλίει.
KJVWhoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
JPSWhoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.
28
ThomsonA lying tongue hateth truth; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
BrentonA lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.
GreekΓλῶσσα ψευδὴς μισεῖ ἀλήθειαν, στόμα δὲ ἄστεγον ποιεῖ ἀκαταστασίας.
KJVA lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
JPSA lying tongue hateth those that are crushed by it; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.