If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
When a wise man contends with a fool, the fool only rages or laughs and there is no peace.
This verse shows how folly resists reasonable resolution.
1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof 2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, 3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, 4By justice a king brings stability to the land, 5A man who flatters his neighbor 6An evil man is caught by his own sin, 7The righteous consider the cause of the poor, 8Mockers inflame a city, 9If a wise man goes to court with a fool, 10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, 11A fool vents all his anger, 12If a ruler listens to lies, 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: 14A king who judges the poor with fairness— 15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, 16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; 17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; 18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; 19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; 20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? 21A servant pampered from his youth 22An angry man stirs up dissension, 23A man’s pride will bring him low, 24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; 25The fear of man is a snare, 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, 27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,