One ill word asketh another.

A hurtful or insulting remark tends to call forth a reply in the same spirit. Here “asketh” means prompts or invites, not literally requests or asks a question; the saying warns that hostile speech can turn a small disagreement into mutual abuse.

It also suggests restraint at the first provocation: refusing to answer harsh language with more harsh language may prevent the pattern from continuing. The focus is on speech as a cause of escalating personal conflict, rather than on any group or fixed type of person.

Use this saying when advising someone not to retaliate verbally after an insult, or when describing an argument that has intensified through hostile remarks. Its archaic “asketh” gives it a traditional, proverbial tone and may need explanation for some readers.