The beginningof strifeis [like] lettingout water,So abandonthe quarrelbeforeit breaksout.
Do not goout hastilyto argue[your case]; Otherwise,whatwill you doin the end,When your neighborhumiliatesyou?
Keepingawayfrom strifeis an honorfor a man,But anyfoolwill quarrel.
and to make it your ambitionto lead a quiet lifeand attendto your ownbusiness and workwith your hands,justas we commandedyou,
A gentleanswerturnsawaywrath,But a harshwordstirsup anger.
Ifpossible,so faras it dependson you, be at peacewith allmen.
An angrymanstirsup strife,And a hot-temperedmanaboundsin transgression.
[Like] charcoalto hotembersand woodto fire,So is a contentiousmanto kindlestrife.
He who lovestransgressionlovesstrife;He who raiseshis doorseeksdestruction.
He whois slowto angeris betterthanthe mighty,And he who ruleshis spirit,thanhe who capturesa city.
He whois slowto angerhas greatunderstanding,But he whois quick-temperedexaltsfolly.
Through insolencecomesnothingbut strife,But wisdomis with those who receivecounsel.
For Pekahthe sonof Remaliahslewin Judah120000in oneday,allvaliantmen,because they had forsakenthe LORDGodof their fathers.
Abijahand his peopledefeatedthem with a greatslaughter,so that 500,000chosenmenof Israelfellslain.
And behold,allthe menof Israelcameto the kingand saidto the king,"Whyhad our brothersthe menof Judahstolenyou away,and broughtthe kingand his householdand allDavid'smenwith him overthe Jordan?"
A man'sdiscretionmakeshim slowto anger,And it is his gloryto overlooka transgression.
