8
Keep away from conflict, and you will reduce your sins; for hot-tempered people spark conflict.
9
Sinful people will stir up trouble for friends, and they spread slander among people who are at peace.
10
A fire burns in proportion to its fuel, and conflict increases the longer it continues. The more powerful individuals are, the stronger their anger will be; and the wealthier they are, the more their wrath will increase.
11
A hasty quarrel sparks a fire, and hasty conflict sheds blood.
12
If you blow on a spark, it will flame up, and if you spit on it, it will go out; nonetheless, both come out of your mouth. because they have destroyed many who are at peace.
13
A curse on slanderers and the deceitful,
14
Slander has shaken up many people, scattered them from nation to nation, demolished mighty cities, and overthrown the houses of dignitaries.
15
Slander has driven out courageous women, and it has deprived them of the rewards of their work.
16
Those who pay attention to slander will never find rest, nor will they live in peace.
17
The blow of a whip leaves a welt, but the blow of the tongue will break bones. of the sword, but many more have fallen because of the tongue.
18
Many have fallen by the edge