A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, a rod is for the back of a fool.
On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and in the spirit of meekness?
Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be restrained with bit and bridle, or they will not come near you.
I told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time. And being absent now, I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the others, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,
and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is complete.
Though you grind a fool in the mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his folly will not depart from him.
Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn what is prudent; reprove one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
One rebuke goes deeper into a wise man than a hundred blows into a fool.