2 Samuel 2:14

Then Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men now stand and have a contest before us.” And Joab said, “Let them stand.”

2 Samuel 2:17

There was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

2 Samuel 2:26-27

Then Abner called to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long [will it be] before you tell the people to stop pursuing their brothers?”

Proverbs 10:23


Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin],
But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.

Proverbs 17:14


The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes];
Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.

Proverbs 20:18


Plans are established by counsel;
So make war [only] with wise guidance.

Proverbs 25:8


Do not rush out to argue your case [before magistrates or judges];
Otherwise what will you do in the end [when your case is lost and]
When your neighbor (opponent) humiliates you?

Proverbs 26:18-19


Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows, and death,

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

Bible References

Play before

2 Samuel 2:17
There was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
Proverbs 10:23

Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin],
But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.
Proverbs 17:14

The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes];
Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.
Proverbs 20:18

Plans are established by counsel;
So make war [only] with wise guidance.
Proverbs 25:8

Do not rush out to argue your case [before magistrates or judges];
Otherwise what will you do in the end [when your case is lost and]
When your neighbor (opponent) humiliates you?
Proverbs 26:18

Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows, and death,