Proverbs 26:1-27:27

From Folly to Faithful Friendship

This message highlights the dangers of foolishness and moral folly. Pastor Lloyd explains that foolishness in Proverbs is not about a lack of intelligence, but a failure to make godly, wise choices. Foolish behavior brings harm not only to the individual but to society as a whole. In contrast, God calls His people to walk in wisdom and be the kind of friend who encourages others toward truth, accountability, and godliness.

  1. As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
  2. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
  3. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
  4. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
  5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
  6. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
  7. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
  8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
  9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.
  10. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
  11. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
  12. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
  13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
  14. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
  15. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
  16. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
  17. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
  18. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
  19. So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
  20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
  21. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
  22. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
  23. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
  24. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
  25. When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
  26. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
  27. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
  28. A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
  1. Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
  2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
  3. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
  4. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
  5. Open rebuke is better than secret love.
  6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
  7. The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
  8. As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
  9. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
  10. Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
  11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
  12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
  13. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
  14. He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
  15. A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
  16. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
  17. Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
  18. Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
  19. As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
  20. Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
  21. As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
  22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
  23. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
  24. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
  25. The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
  26. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
  27. And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.