And the battle was fierce that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were smitten before the servants of David.

Then Abner called to Joab and said, Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long will it be then until you tell the people to turn back from after their brethren?

And Joab said, As God lives, unless you had spoken, surely then by morning the people would have gone up, every one after his brother.

It is as jest to a fool to do wickedness; so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

The beginning of strife is like letting out water; therefore leave off contention, before it breaks out.

Plans are established by counsel; and wage war with good advice.

Do not be quick to start a quarrel, lest you know not what to do in the end of it, when your neighbor has put you to shame.

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death;

so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, Was I not joking?