2
Like 1a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, 2a curse that is causeless does not alight.
3
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and 4a rod for the back of fools.
4
5Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
5
6Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be 7wise in his own eyes.
6
Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and 8drinks violence.
7
Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8
Like one who binds the stone in the sling is 9one who gives honor to a fool.
9
Like 10a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10
Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.
11
Like 11a dog that returns to his vomit is 12a fool who repeats his folly.
12
Do you see a man who is 13wise in his own eyes? 14There is more hope for a fool than for him.