If you hear such a rumor, investigate it thoroughly; and if it is true that this evil thing did happen,

The Israelite tribes sent messengers all through the territory of the tribe of Benjamin to say, "What is this crime that you have committed?

Get good advice and you will succeed; don't go charging into battle without a plan.

"If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back.

Eleazar, Aaron's son, married one of Putiel's daughters, who bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the families and the clans of the tribe of Levi.

When Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest, saw this, he got up and left the assembly. He took a spear,

"Because of what Phinehas has done, I am no longer angry with the people of Israel. He refused to tolerate the worship of any god but me, and that is why I did not destroy them in my anger.

He and his descendants are permanently established as priests, because he did not tolerate any rivals to me and brought about forgiveness for the people's sin."

(SEE 20:27)

But Phinehas stood up and punished the guilty, and the plague was stopped.

This has been remembered in his favor ever since and will be for all time to come.

If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets.

An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver.

A reliable messenger is refreshing to the one who sends him, like cold water in the heat of harvest time.