⁴ These proverbs teach the naive how to become clever;
    they instruct the young in how to grow in knowledge and live with discretion.

³² You see, it’s turning away from me that brings death to the simple,
    and it’s self-satisfaction that destroys the fools.

⁷ And there among the usual crowd of the gullible people
    I spotted a naive young man.

⁵     You gullible people, acquire insight.
        You naive ones, cultivate a heart that truly understands.

¹⁵ The gullible believe anything they are told,
    but clever people know to question every step.

²⁵ If you beat one who mocks, the naive will see and learn a lesson;
    if you correct someone with understanding, that’s all he needs to grow a little wiser.

¹¹ A naive person wises up when he sees a mocker punished.
    A wise person becomes even wiser just by being instructed.

³ Prudent people see trouble coming and hide,
    but the naive walk right into it and take a beating.