Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, so a curse without cause comes to rest on him.
Note. The Hebrew text is written “not” (lo’); the Masoretic tradition directs that it be read “to him” (lo). With what is written, the line would say “so a curse without cause does not alight,” and so read the Septuagint and many versions. This translation follows what is read.
In context
1Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not suit a fool. 2Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, so a curse without cause comes to rest on him. 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools. 4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be just like him yourself.
