19. Such are those who deceive their neighbor,and then say, “I was only joking.”
20. Without wood the fire dies out;without a talebearer strife subsides.
21. Charcoal for coals, wood for fire—such are the quarrelsome, enkindling strife.
22. The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels:they sink into one’s inmost being.
23. Like a glazed finish on earthenwareare smooth lips and a wicked heart.
24. With their lips enemies pretend,but inwardly they maintain deceit;
25. When they speak graciously, do not trust them,for seven abominations are in their hearts.
26. Hatred can be concealed by pretense,but malice will be revealed in the assembly.
27. Whoever digs a pit falls into it;and a stone comes back upon the one who rolls it.
28. The lying tongue is its owner’s enemy,and the flattering mouth works ruin.