Sirach 28:18
King James VersionSource notes
“Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.”
Context
15A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
16Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
17The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
18Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.
19Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.
20For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.
21The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.