15 A sensitive answer turns back wrath,
    but an offensive word stirs up anger.

¹⁸ Hotheads stir up conflict,
    but patient people calm down strife.

³² Better to be patient than a warrior,
    and better to have self-control than to capture a city.

17 Better a dry crust with quiet
    than a house full of feasting with quarrels.

¹⁴ The start of a quarrel is like letting out water,
    so drop the dispute before it breaks out.