³ A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools!

⁹ Don't be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, Who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.

¹³ Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, But a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.

² I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

⁶ and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full.

²¹ What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

²² Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, Yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.

²⁹ Penalties are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

²⁵ Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

¹⁰ A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred lashes into a fool.

⁵ He said to the men of Succoth, Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.

⁶ The princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?

⁷ Gideon said, Therefore when Yahweh has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.