²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitter pain to her who gave him birth.

²⁶ To give punishment to the upright is not good, or to give blows to the noble for their righteousness.

²⁷ He who has knowledge says little: and he who has a calm spirit is a man of good sense.

²⁸ Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.

¹ He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.

² A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.

³ When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.

⁴ The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.

⁵ To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.

⁶ A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.

⁷ The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.

⁸ The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.