Judgmentsare preparedfor scoffers,And blowsfor the backof fools.
When he lookedbehindhim and sawthem, he cursedthem in the nameof the LORD.Then twofemale bearscameout of the woodsand toreup forty-twoladsof their number.
How blessedis the manwhodoes not walkin the counselof the wicked,Norstandin the pathof sinners,Norsitin the seatof scoffers!
"Howlong,O naiveones,will you lovebeing simple-minded?And scoffersdelightthemselves in scoffingAnd foolshateknowledge?
I will alsolaughat your calamity;I will mockwhen your dreadcomes,
On the lipsof the discerning,wisdomis found,But a rodis for the backof him wholacksunderstanding.
A rebukegoesdeeperinto one who hasunderstandingThana hundredblowsinto a fool.
A fool'slipsbringstrife,And his mouthcallsfor blows.
A whipis for the horse,a bridlefor the donkey,And a rodfor the backof fools.
ThoughHe scoffsat the scoffers,Yet He givesgraceto the afflicted.
Suddenlyhe followsher As an oxgoesto the slaughter,Or as [one in] fettersto the disciplineof a fool,
Ifyou are wise,you are wisefor yourself, And if you scoff,you alonewill bearit.
And nowdo not carryon as scoffers,Oryour fetterswill be madestronger;For I have heardfrom the LordGODof hostsOf decisivedestructionon allthe earth.
For the ruthlesswill cometo an endand the scornerwill be finished,Indeed allwho are intenton doingevilwill be cutoff;
then it shall be ifthe wickedmandeservesto be beaten,the judgeshall then make him liedownand be beatenin his presencewith the numberof stripes accordingto his guilt.
FOR THOSE WHOMTHE LORDLOVESHE DISCIPLINES,AND HE SCOURGESEVERYSONWHOMHE RECEIVES."
