16. Anyone who pays attention to slander can never find peace of mind.
17. A whip can raise a welt, but a vicious tongue can break bones.
18. More people have died as a result of loose talk than were ever killed by swords.
19-20. Count yourself lucky if you have been spared the experience of having irresponsible talk directed against you — if you have never had that iron yoke round your neck or those heavy chains on your legs.
21. Slander leads to a miserable death; but in fact, you'd be better off dead.
22. Devout people, however, cannot be overcome by slander; they cannot be burnt by its flames.