1 As snow in summer ^aand rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool. ‡

2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So ^aa curse without cause shall not alight. ‡

3 ^aA whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fool’s back. ‡

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

5 ^aAnswer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes. ‡

6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.

9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.