²¹ But they held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, saying, Don't answer him.

⁴ Don't answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.

²⁶ Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, to Rabshakeh, Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and don't speak with us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people who are on the wall.

³⁷ Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

¹³ But I, as a deaf man, don't hear. I am as a mute man who doesn't open his mouth.

¹⁴ Yes, I am as a man who doesn't hear, In whose mouth are no reproofs.

¹⁵ For in you, Yahweh, do I hope. You will answer, Lord my God.

¹ > I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I don't sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me."

⁷ He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.

⁸ Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

¹³ Therefore he who is prudent shall keep silence in such a time; For it is an evil time.

⁶ "Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.