⁹ Do not talk directly to a fool,
because he will despise the wisdom of your words.

⁴ Do not answer a fool with his own stupidity,
or you will be like him.
⁵ Answer a fool with his own stupidity,
or he will think he is wise.
⁶ Whoever uses a fool to send a message
cuts off his own feet and brings violence upon himself.

⁷ ⌞Like⌟ a lame person’s limp legs,
so is a proverb in the mouths of fools.
⁸ Like tying a stone to a sling,
so is giving honor to a fool.
⁹ ⌞Like⌟ a thorn stuck in a drunk’s hand,
so is a proverb in the mouths of fools.
¹⁰ ⌞Like⌟ many people who destroy everything,
so is one who hires fools or drifters.
¹¹ As a dog goes back to its vomit,
⌞so⌟ a fool repeats his stupidity.

⁹ When a wise person goes to court with a stubborn fool,
he may rant and rave,
but there is no peace and quiet.