⁴ 
Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly,
Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.
⁵ 
Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly,
Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].^(A)

¹⁷ 
Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten]
Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business.

²⁰ 
For lack of wood the fire goes out,
And where there is no whisperer [who gossips], contention quiets down.
²¹ 
Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.^(A)

²² 
An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions.