When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he acted as if he did not know them. He asked them harshly, "Where do you come from?" "We have come from Canaan to buy food," they answered.

"The governor of Egypt spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying against his country.

He said to Moses, "Get out of my sight! Don't let me ever see you again! On the day I do, you will die!"

and Nabal finally answered, "David? Who is he? I've never heard of him! The country is full of runaway slaves nowadays!

I'm not going to take my bread and water, and the animals I have butchered for my sheepshearers, and give them to people who come from I don't know where!"

Now, however, I will send my officers to search your palace and the homes of your officials, and to take everything they consider valuable. They will be there about this time tomorrow."

The leaders and the people answered, "Don't pay any attention to him; don't give in."

from Benhadad: "I will bring enough men to destroy this city of yours and carry off the rubble in their hands. May the gods strike me dead if I don't!"

A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.

But he ignored the advice of the older men and went instead to the young men who had grown up with him and who were now his advisers.

My child, when you stop learning, you will soon neglect what you already know.