15
Slander has driven virtuous women from their homes, and deprived them of the fruit of their toil.
16
Those who pay heed to slander will not find rest, nor will they settle down in peace.
17
The blow of a whip raises a welt, but a blow of the tongue crushes the bones.
18
Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not as many as have fallen because of the tongue.
19
Happy is the one who is protected from it, who has not been exposed to its anger, who has not borne its yoke, and has not been bound with its fetters.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.