⁶ It is like cutting off one’s foot and drinking down violence,
    to send a message by a fool.

¹³ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
    are faithful messengers to those who send them;
    they refresh the spirit of their masters.^(A)

²⁶ Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
    so are the lazy to their employers.^(A)

¹⁷ A bad messenger brings trouble,
    but a faithful envoy, healing.^(A)