17. A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not hisis like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
18. Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,
19. so is the man who deceives his neighborand says, “I was only joking! ”
20. Without wood, fire goes out;without a gossip, conflict dies down.
21. As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22. A gossip’s words are like choice foodthat goes down to one’s innermost being.
23. Smooth lips with an evil heartare like glaze on an earthen vessel.
24. A hateful person disguises himself with his speechand harbors deceit within.
25. When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him,for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26. Though his hatred is concealed by deception,his evil will be revealed in the assembly.