A whipis for the horse,a bridlefor the donkey,And a rodfor the backof fools.
Do not be as the horseor as the mulewhich havenounderstanding,Whose trappingsinclude bitand bridleto holdthem in check,[Otherwise] they will not comenearto you.
On the lipsof the discerning,wisdomis found,But a rodis for the backof him wholacksunderstanding.
A rebukegoesdeeperinto one who hasunderstandingThana hundredblowsinto a fool.
Strikea scofferand the naivemay becomeshrewd,But reproveone who hasunderstandingand he will gainknowledge.
Judgmentsare preparedfor scoffers,And blowsfor the backof fools.
Thoughyou pounda foolin a mortarwith a pestlealongwith crushedgrain,[Yet] his foolishnesswill not departfrom him.
Whatdo you desire?Shall I cometo you with a rod,orwith loveand a spiritof gentleness?
and we are readyto punishalldisobedience,wheneveryour obedienceis complete.
I have previously saidwhenpresentthe second time,and though nowabsentI say in advanceto thosewho have sinned in the pastand to allthe rest[as well], that ifI comeagainI will not spare[anyone],
