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
19
Happy is the person who is protected from the tongue, who hasn't endured its anger, who hasn't pulled its yoke or been bound by its shackles.
20
Its yoke is made of iron, and its shackles are made of bronze.
21
The death it inflicts is a wicked death, and the grave is preferable to it.
22
It will never conquer the godly, and they won't be burned by its flame.
23
Those who abandon the Lord will fall to it; it will burn within them, and it will never go out. It will be sent against them like a lion, and like a leopard it will mangle them.
24
aWatch out! Fence in your property with thorns, b Lock up your silver and gold;