²⁶ An honest answer
    is like a kiss on the lips.

⁸     do not bring^[a] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
    if your neighbor puts you to shame?^(A)

⁹ If you take your neighbor to court,
    do not betray another’s confidence,
¹⁰ or the one who hears it may shame you
    and the charge against you will stand.

¹¹ Like apples^[a] of gold in settings of silver^(A)
    is a ruling rightly given.
¹² Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.^(B)

¹³ Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
    is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
    he refreshes the spirit of his master.^(C)
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
    is one who boasts of gifts never given.

¹⁵ Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,^(D)
    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.^(E)

²⁰ Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
    or like vinegar poured on a wound,
    is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

¹⁷ Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
    is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

¹⁸ Like a maniac shooting
    flaming arrows of death
¹⁹ is one who deceives their neighbor
    and says, “I was only joking!”

²³ Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
    rather than one who has a flattering tongue.^(A)

²⁰ Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
    There is more hope for a fool than for them.^(A)