⁶ Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
    they are asking for a beating.

³ A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,
    but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.

²⁴ Don’t befriend angry people
    or associate with hot-tempered people,
²⁵ or you will learn to be like them
    and endanger your soul.

²⁷ Scoundrels create trouble;
    their words are a destructive blaze.

²⁸ A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
    gossip separates the best of friends.

⁹ If a wise person takes a fool to court,
    there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.