Slow Havamal 65

The 65th verse tells us we will often be repaid in kind for the words we say to other people.

This is a “half-verse,” three lines instead of the usual 6-8, and the first I’ve encountered. The text doesn’t explain why, but I’d like to think it’s because that was all that needed to be said.

Though there’s no guarantee, I can often expect that what I say to others, including my tone, body language, and the context in which I say it, will be repaid to me. Odin doesn’t say that it will be repaid by the recipient, or even another person. The mode is vague, but I should expect to receive as I give. This approximates the concept of karma, whereby the effects of my actions circle back to me.
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