15 A gentle answer deflects anger,
    but harsh words make tempers flare.

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person starts fights;
    a cool-tempered person stops them.

³² Better to be patient than powerful;
    better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

17 Better a dry crust eaten in peace
    than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,
    so stop before a dispute breaks out.

¹⁹ Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;
    anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

²⁷ A truly wise person uses few words;
    a person with understanding is even-tempered.

¹⁸ Flipping a coin^[a] can end arguments;
    it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

¹⁹ An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
    Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

¹¹ Sensible people control their temper;
    they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

¹² The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar,
    but his favor is like dew on the grass.

¹⁹ Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty.
    If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.