²⁵ A foolish son is grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.^(A)

²⁶ It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person
or to beat a noble for his honesty.^[a](B)

²⁷ The one who has knowledge restrains his words,^(C)
and one who keeps a cool head^[b]
is a person of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent—
discerning, when he seals his lips.^(D)

18 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound wisdom.

² A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.^[a](A)

³ When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
and along with dishonor, derision.

⁴ The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters,^(B)
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.^[b]

⁵ It is not good to show partiality to the guilty,^(C)
denying an innocent person justice.^(D)

⁶ A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.^(E)