Proverbs 26:3

Modern

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

Traditional

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

Literal

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

Latin

Flagellum equo, et camus asino, et virga in dorso imprudentium.

Hebrew

English

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

A fool is like a simple animal that needs strong guidance (see Proverbs 10:13; 14:3).

1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Psalm 32:9
Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.
Judges 8:5–7
So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
2 Corinthians 13:2
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
Proverbs 27:22
Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.
Proverbs 19:29
Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
2 Corinthians 10:6
And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.