A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools.
Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you.
On the lips of him who has understanding wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging for the backs of fools.
Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him.
What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them—