The beginning of strife {is as} when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Now therefore, my lord, {as} the LORD liveth, and {as} thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to {shed} blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. {avenging...: Heb. saving thyself}

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

{Every} purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest {thou know not} what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: {so} that thou didst not lay these {things} to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

{As} God liveth, {who} hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, {who} hath vexed my soul; {vexed...: Heb. made my soul bitter}

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

{As} God liveth, {who} hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, {who} hath vexed my soul; {vexed...: Heb. made my soul bitter}