²² 
“How long, O naive ones [you who are easily misled], will you love being simple-minded and undiscerning?
How long will scoffers [who ridicule and deride] delight in scoffing,
How long will fools [who obstinately mock truth] hate knowledge?

⁶ 
A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom],
But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].

¹² 
A scoffer [unlike a wise man] resents one who rebukes him and tries to teach him;
Nor will he go to the wise [for counsel and instruction].

²⁵ 
Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent;
Reprimand one who has understanding and a teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledge and insight.

²⁹ 
Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.^(A)

¹¹ 
When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise;
But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.^(A)

²⁴ 
“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names
Who acts with overbearing and insolent pride.

¹⁰ 
Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go away;
Even strife and dishonor will cease.