⁶ A fool’s lips bring strife,
    and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

³ A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
    but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.^(A)

²⁷ Scoundrels concoct evil,
    and their speech is like a scorching fire.^(A)
28 A perverse person spreads strife,
    and a whisperer separates close friends.^(B)

⁹ If the wise go to law with fools,
    there is ranting and ridicule without relief.

²⁴ It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
    than in a house shared with a contentious wife.^(A)

²⁴ Make no friends with those given to anger,
    and do not associate with hotheads,
²⁵ lest you learn their ways
    and entangle yourself in a snare.

³ It is honorable to refrain from strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.^(A)

²⁹ Punishments are prepared for scoffers
    and flogging for the backs of fools.^(A)

¹⁹ A violent-tempered person will pay the penalty;
    if you effect a rescue, you will only have to do it again.^[a]

¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
    so stop before the quarrel breaks out.^(A)