And the battle was very severe in that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

And Abner called Joab and said, Shall the sword devour perpetually? Know you not that it will be bitter in the end? How long then will you refuse to tell the people to turn from following our brethren?

And Joab said, As the Lord lives, if you had not spoken, even from the morning the people had each gone up from following his brother.

A fool does mischief in sport, but wisdom brings forth prudence for a man.

Rightful rule gives power to words, but sedition and strife precede poverty.

[This translation omits this verse.]

Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest you repent at last.

As those who need correction put forth [fair] words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;

so are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.