Proverbs 26:11

9 Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

10 Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13 The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
KJV
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
WEB
As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.
ASV
As a dog that returneth to his vomit, [So is] a fool that repeateth his folly.
DARBY
As a dog turneth back to its vomit, [so] a fool repeateth his folly.
BLB
Like a dog returning to its vomit [is] a fool repeating his folly.
ÅB
Lik hunden som vender tilbake til sitt eget spy, er en dåre som kommer igjen med sin dårskap.
OTB
Som en hund vender tilbake til sitt spy, slik gjentar en dåre sin dårskap.
B1930
Lik hunden som vender tilbake til sitt eget spy, er en dåre som kommer igjen med sin dårskap.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Peter 2:22

    Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

    Read in context
  • Matthew 12:45

    Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.”

    Read in context
  • Exodus 8:15

    When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.

    Read in context