⁶ The lips of fools bring them strife,
    and their mouths invite a beating.^(A)

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

²⁷ A scoundrel^(A) plots evil,
    and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.^(B)

²⁸ A perverse person stirs up conflict,^(C)
    and a gossip separates close friends.^(D)

⁹ If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

²⁴ Better to live on a corner of the roof
    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.^(A)

³ It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
    but every fool^(A) is quick to quarrel.^(B)

²⁹ Penalties are prepared for mockers,
    and beatings for the backs of fools.^(A)

¹⁹ A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;
    rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
    so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.^(A)