Joabsaid,"As Godlives,ifyou had not spoken,surelythenthe peoplewould have goneawayin the morning,eachfrom followinghis brother."
Then Abnersaidto Joab,"Nowlet the youngmenariseand holda contestbeforeus." And Joabsaid,"Let them arise."
Then Abnercalledto Joaband said,"Shall the sworddevourforever?Do you not knowthat it will be bitterin the end?Howlongwill you refrainfrom tellingthe peopleto turnbackfrom followingtheir brothers?"
So Joabblewthe trumpet;and allthe peoplehaltedand pursuedIsraelnolonger,nordid they continueto fightanymore.
"As Godlives,who has takenawaymy right,And the Almighty,who has embitteredmy soul,
A gentleanswerturnsawaywrath,But a harshwordstirsup anger.
The beginningof strifeis [like] lettingout water,So abandonthe quarrelbeforeit breaksout.
Prepareplansby consultation,And makewarby wiseguidance.
Do not goout hastilyto argue[your case]; Otherwise,whatwill you doin the end,When your neighborhumiliatesyou?
"Yet you said,I will be a queenforever.'Thesethingsyou did not considerNorrememberthe outcomeof them.
"Nowtherefore, my lord,as the LORDlives,and as your soullives,sincethe LORDhas restrainedyou from sheddingblood,and from avengingyourself by your own hand,nowthen let your enemiesand those who seekevilagainstmy lord,be as Nabal.
