24 “Four things on earth are small,
    yet they are extremely wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength,
    yet they store up their food in the summer;(A)
26 hyraxes(B) are creatures of little power,
    yet they make their home in the crags;
27 locusts(C) have no king,
    yet they advance together in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand,
    yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

29 “There are three things that are stately in their stride,
    four that move with stately bearing:
30 a lion, mighty among beasts,
    who retreats before nothing;
31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat,
    and a king secure against revolt.[a]

32 “If you play the fool and exalt yourself,
    or if you plan evil,
    clap your hand over your mouth!(D)
33 For as churning cream produces butter,
    and as twisting the nose produces blood,
    so stirring up anger produces strife.”

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 30:31 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.

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