3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
^aBut the lips of the wise will preserve them. ‡

4 Where no oxen are, the¹ trough is clean;
But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. ‡

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But ^aknowledge is easy to him who understands. ‡

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of ^aknowledge. ‡