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.

²⁴ It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
    than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

³ Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
    only fools insist on quarreling.

²⁹ Punishment is made for mockers,
    and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.

¹⁹ Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty.
    If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,
    so stop before a dispute breaks out.