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

for the hot-tempered kindle strife,

9 and the sinner disrupts friendships

and sows discord among those who are at peace.

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

and in proportion to the obstinacy, so will strife increase;b

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

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

11 A hasty quarrel kindles a fire,

and a hasty dispute sheds blood.

The Evil Tongue

(Jas 3:1–12)

12 If 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.