² A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand,
    for he would rather express his own opinion.

¹³ Whoever answers before listening
    is both foolish and shameful.

³ Avoiding strife brings a man honor,
    but every fool is quarrelsome.

²⁰ Precious treasures and oil are found^[a] where the wise live,
    but a foolish man devours them.

¹⁵ A child’s heart has a tendency to do wrong,
    but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him.

² Like a fluttering sparrow
    or a swallow in flight,
        a curse without cause will not alight.

³ A whip is for the horses,
    a bridle is for the donkey,
        a rod is for the back of fools.
⁴ Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness,
    or you will be just like him.
⁵ Answer a fool according to his foolishness,
    or he will think himself to be wise.
⁶ Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool
    cuts off his own^[a] feet and drinks violence.
⁷ Useless legs to the lame—
    that’s what a proverb quoted by a fool is.
⁸ Tying a stone to a sling—
    that’s what giving honor to a fool is.
⁹ A thorn in the hand of a drunkard—
    that’s what a proverb quoted by a fool is.
¹⁰ An archer who shoots at anyone—
    is like someone who hires a fool or anyone who passes by.
¹¹ A dog that returns to its vomit
    is like a fool who reverts to his folly.
¹² Do you see a man who is wise in his own opinion?
    There’s more hope for a fool than for him.

²⁶ Whoever trusts in himself is foolish,
    but whoever lives wisely will be kept safe.

¹¹ The fool vents all his feelings,^[a]
    but the wise person keeps them to himself.^[b]