Don’t speak harshly,
they may speak harshly back.
For aggressive speech is painful,
and the rod may spring back on you.
If you still yourself
like a broken gong,
you’re quenched
and conflict-free.
Read the entire translation of Dhammapada 129–145 Daṇḍavagga: Chabbaggiyabhikkhuvatthu by Bhikkhu Sujato on SuttaCentral.net. Or read a different translation on SuttaCentral.net, SuttaFriends.org, DhammaTalks.org, Ancient-Buddhist-Texts.net or AccessToInsight.org. Or listen on SC-Voice.net. Or explore the Pali on DigitalPaliReader.online.