How to avoid conflict

In an article I am reading in preparation for a certain up-and-coming exam, I came across some proverbs from a variety of different cultures on conflict avoidance. Here's a small selection...*

• Of the thirty-six ways of handling a conflict situation, running away is the best. (China)
• Money softens a dispute like water softens clay. (Nigeria)
• A good silence is better than a bad dispute. (Russia)
• It is best to let an offence repeat itself three times. The first may be an accident, the second a mistake, only the third is likely to be intentional. (Kongo)
• All is never said. (Ibo)
• In playing chess, there is no infallible way of winning, but there is an infallible way of not losing – that is not to play chess. (China)
• If a quarrel gets too hot for you, pretend it is a game. (Hausa) 

* From A Scott Moreau, Gary R Corwin & Gary B McGee, Introducing World Mission: a Biblical, Historical and Practical Survey, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004) 275; cited from Augsburger 1992, 223-35.