⁷ And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

¹ A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.

⁷ And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

²¹ Naphtali is a hind let loose: He giveth goodly words.

² And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that, when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

³ And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

⁴ Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

⁵ And it was so, that, when any man came nigh to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.

⁶ And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.