12. For seven days we mourn the dead, but a foolish or ungodly person causes a lifetime of grief.
13. Don't visit stupid people or spend a lot of time talking with them. Avoid them; then they can't contaminate you, and you can live in peace without being troubled or worn down by their foolishness.
14. Such people are a heavier burden to bear than lead; and the only word that fits them is “fools.”
15. It is easier to carry a load of sand, salt, and iron than to put up with a stupid person.
16. A wooden beam can be put into a building so firmly that an earthquake cannot shake it loose; a person can be trained to use reason and good sense so well that he keeps his head when a crisis comes.
17. A mind that thinks things through intelligently is like a firm wall, finely decorated.
18. Small stones on top of a wall will not stay put when the wind blows, and a person whose stupid ideas have made him timid will not be able to stand up to frightening situations.
19. If you stick something in your eye, tears will flow; and if you hurt a person deeply, you will discover his true feelings.
20. If you throw stones at birds, you will scare them away; and if you insult a friend, you will break up the friendship.