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
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;
25
band make a door and a bolt for your mouth. amake a balance and a weight for your words.
26
Pay attention, and don't slip by your tongue; don't fall in front of those who are just waiting to attack you.