17. He that passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him is like one that takes a dog by the ears.
18. As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,
19. so is the man that destroys his friend and says, Am I not in sport?
20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
21. Charcoal for burning coals and wood for fire, and a contentious man to kindle strife.
22. The words of a talebearer seem smooth, but they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24. He that hates dissembles with his lips and lays up deceit within him;
25. when he speaks fair, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26. Even though his hatred is covered up in the desert, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.
27. Whosoever digs a pit shall fall therein, and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him.
28. A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.