Proverbs 26:2-10

English Standard Version

² Like ^(A)a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
    ^(B)a curse that is causeless does not alight.
^3 (C)A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
    and ^(D)a rod for the back of fools.
^4 (E)Answer not a fool according to his folly,
    lest you be like him yourself.
^5 (F)Answer a fool according to his folly,
    lest he be ^(G)wise in his own eyes.
⁶ Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool
    cuts off his own feet and ^(H)drinks violence.
⁷ Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless,
    is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
⁸ Like one who binds the stone in the sling
    is ^(I)one who gives honor to a fool.
⁹ Like ^(J)a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard
    is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
¹⁰ Like an archer who wounds everyone
    is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.^[a]