11
An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood.
12
If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.
13
Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.
14
A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
15
A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
16
Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
17
The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
18
Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.
19
Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.
20
For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.
21
The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.