Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow,(A)
an undeserved curse goes nowhere.(B)
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,(C)
and a rod for the backs of fools.(D)
Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness(E)
or you’ll be like him yourself.

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Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
    an undeserved curse does not come to rest.(A)
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,(B)
    and a rod for the backs of fools!(C)
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
    or you yourself will be just like him.(D)

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As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

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