1The vengeful will face the Lord's vengeance,

for he keeps a strict account of28.1 Other ancient authorities read for he firmly establishes their sins.

2Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done,

and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.

3Does anyone harbour anger against another,

and expect healing from the Lord?

4If someone has no mercy towards another like himself,

can he then seek pardon for his own sins?

5If a mere mortal harbours wrath,

who will make an atoning sacrifice for his sins?

6Remember the end of your life, and set enmity aside;

remember corruption and death, and be true to the commandments.

7Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbour;

remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook faults.

8Refrain from strife, and your sins will be fewer;

for the hot-tempered kindle strife,

9and the sinner disrupts friendships

and sows discord among those who are at peace.

10In proportion to the fuel, so will the fire burn,

and in proportion to the obstinacy, so will strife increase;28.10 Other ancient authorities read burn

in proportion to a person's strength will be his anger,

and in proportion to his wealth he will increase his wrath.

11A hasty quarrel kindles a fire,

and a hasty dispute sheds blood.

The Evil Tongue

12If you blow on a spark, it will glow;

if you spit on it, it will be put out;

yet both come out of your mouth.

13Curse the gossips and the double-tongued,

for they destroy the peace of many.

14Slander28.14 Gk A third tongue has shaken many,

and scattered them from nation to nation;

it has destroyed strong cities,

and overturned the houses of the great.

15Slander28.15 Gk A third tongue has driven virtuous women from their homes,

and deprived them of the fruit of their toil.

16Those who pay heed to slander28.16 Gk it will not find rest,

nor will they settle down in peace.

17The blow of a whip raises a welt,

but a blow of the tongue crushes the bones.

18Many have fallen by the edge of the sword,

but not as many as have fallen because of the tongue.

19Happy is one who is protected from it,

who has not been exposed to its anger,

who has not borne its yoke,

and has not been bound with its fetters.

20For its yoke is a yoke of iron,

and its fetters are fetters of bronze;

21its death is an evil death,

and Hades is preferable to it.

22It has no power over the godly;

they will not be burned in its flame.

23Those who forsake the Lord will fall into its power;

it will burn among them and will not be put out.

It will be sent out against them like a lion;

like a leopard it will mangle them.

24aAs you fence in your property with thorns,

25bso make a door and a bolt for your mouth.

24bAs you lock up your silver and gold,

25aso make balances and scales for your words.

26Take care not to err with your tongue,28.26 Gk with it

and fall victim to one lying in wait.