A hasty contention kindleth a fire and a hasty quarrel sheddeth blood and a tongue that beareth witness bringeth death. 14If thou blow the spark, it shall burn as a fire: and if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: both come out of the mouth. 15The whisperer and the double tongue is accursed: for he hath troubled many that were at peace. 16The tongue of a third person hath disquieted many, and scattered them from nation to nation. 17It hath destroyed the strong cities of the rich, and hath overthrown the houses of great men. 18It hath cut in pieces the forces of people, and undone strong nations. 19The tongue of a third person hath cast out valiant women, and deprived them of their labours. 20He that hearkeneth to it, shall never have rest, neither shall he have a friend in whom he may repose. 21The stroke of a whip maketh a blue mark: but the stroke of the tongue will break the bones. 22Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not so many as have perished by their own tongue. 23Blessed is he that is defended from a wicked tongue, that hath not passed into the wrath thereof, and that hath not drawn the yoke thereof, and hath not been bound in its bands. 24For its yoke is a yoke of iron: and its bands are bands of brass. 25The death thereof is a most evil death: and hell is preferable to it. 26Its continuance shall not be for a long time, but it shall possess the ways of the unjust: and the just shall not be burnt with its flame.