⁷ They spoke to him, saying, If you are kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.

¹ A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

⁷ They spoke to him, saying, If you will be a servant to this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.

²¹ "Naphtali is a doe set free, Who bears beautiful fawns.

² 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 to him, and said, Of what city are you? He said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

³ Absalom said to him, Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized of the king to hear you.

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

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

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