The Geneva Bible Translation Notes, [1599], at sacred-texts.com
(a) Consent not to him in his doings.
Answer a fool (b) according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
(b) Reprove him as the matter requires.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off (c) the feet, (d) [and] drinketh damage.
(c) That is, of the messenger whom he sends.
(d) That is, receives damage by it.
[As] a thorn goeth (e) up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.
(e) By which he hurts both himself and others.
(f) The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
(f) Meaning God.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] (g) more hope of a fool than of him.
(g) For the fool would rather be counselled than he: also the fool sins out of ignorance, and the other out of malice.
The slothful [man] saith, (h) [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.
(h) Read (Pro 22:13).
So [is] the man [that] deceiveth (i) his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
(i) Who disguises himself to be that which he is not.
Burning lips and (k) a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.
(k) They will soon break out and utter themselves.
When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for [there are] (l) seven abominations in his heart.
(l) Meaning many: he uses a certain number for the uncertain.
[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the [whole] (m) congregation.
(m) In the assembly of the godly.