25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple ^awill become wary;
^bRebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. ‡

26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother
Is ^aa son who causes shame and brings reproach. ‡

28 A¹ disreputable witness scorns justice,
And ^athe mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. ‡

29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
^aAnd beatings for the backs of fools. ‡