8. Abstain from strife, and you shall diminish your sins: For a passionate man will kindle strife;
9. And a man that is a sinner will trouble friends, And will make debate among them that be at peace.
10. As is the fuel of the fire, so will it burn; And as the stoutness of the strife is, so will it burn: As is the strength of the man, so will be his wrath; And as is his wealth, so will he exalt his anger.
11. A contention begun in haste kindles a fire; And a hasty fighting sheds blood.
12. If you blow a spark, it shall burn; And if you spit upon it, it shall be quenched: And both these shall come out of your mouth.
13. Curse the whisperer and double-tongued: For he has destroyed many that were at peace.
14. A third person’s tongue has shaken many, And dispersed them from nation to nation; And it has pulled down strong cities, And overthrown the houses of great men.
15. A third person’s tongue has cast out brave women, And deprived them of their labors.
16. He that hearkens to it shall not find rest, Nor shall he dwell quietly.