8. Keep away from conflict,and you will reduce your sins;for hot-tempered people spark conflict.
9. Sinful people will stir up trouble for friends,and they spread slanderamong people who are at peace.
10. A fire burns in proportion to its fuel,and conflict increasesthe longer it continues.The more powerful individuals are,the stronger their anger will be;and the wealthier they are,the more their wrath will increase.
11. A hasty quarrel sparks a fire,and hasty conflict sheds blood.
12. If you blow on a spark, it will flame up,and if you spit on it, it will go out;nonetheless, both come outof your mouth.
13. A curse on slanderers and the deceitful,because they have destroyed manywho are at peace.
14. Slander has shaken up many people,scattered them from nation to nation,demolished mighty cities,and overthrown the housesof dignitaries.
15. Slander has driven outcourageous women,and it has deprived themof the rewards of their work.