³⁴ The Lord mocks the mockers
    but is gracious to the humble.^[a]

⁷ Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
    Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
⁸ So don’t bother correcting mockers;
    they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
    and they will love you.

⁶ A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
    but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

¹² Mockers hate to be corrected,
    so they stay away from the wise.

²⁵ If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson;
    if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

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

¹¹ If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;
    if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

²⁴ Mockers are proud and haughty;
    they act with boundless arrogance.

¹⁰ Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
    Quarrels and insults will disappear.