11. For a ill-tempered man enflames conflict, and a sinful man troubles his friends, and he casts hostility into the midst of those who have peace.
12. For the fire burns according to the wood of the forest. And the anger of a man burns according to the strength of the man. And according to his resources, he will exalt his anger.
13. A hasty contention kindles a fire. And a hasty quarrel sheds blood. And an accusatory tongue brings death.
14. If you blow on a spark, it will increase to a fire. But if you spit on it, it will be extinguished. Both of these proceed from the mouth.
15. The double-tongued whisperer is accursed. For he has disturbed many who had peace.
16. A third tongue has stirred up many, and has scattered them from nation to nation.
17. It has destroyed the walled cities of the wealthy, and has undermined the houses of the great.
18. It has cut down the virtues of the peoples, and has broken strong nations.
19. A third tongue has cast down virtuous women, and has deprived them of their labors.
20. Whoever favors it will not have rest, nor will he have a friend in whom he may find peace.
21. The wound of a whip causes a bruise, but the wound of the tongue will crush the bones.
22. Many have fallen by the mouth of the sword, but not as many as have perished by their own tongue.
23. Blessed is he who is protected from a wicked tongue, who has not gone over to its wrath, and has not pulled its yoke, and has not been bound by its chains.