Proverbs 26:2-4

New Century Version

² Curses will not harm someone who is innocent;
    they are like sparrows or swallows that fly around and never land.

³ Whips are for horses, and harnesses are for donkeys,
    so paddles are good for fools.

⁴ Don’t answer fools when they speak foolishly,
    or you will be just like them.